Sannyasa- An Inner Pilgrimage

Although in our country, sannyasa has been practised since the Vedic times, people have strange ideas about sannyasins. That traditionally sannyasa is meant for wholesome dedication to knowledge is the least recognized - not only by the non-sannyasins but by many sannyasins as well. It is seldom understood that real sannyasa is an inner pilgrimage and inner unfoldment, the external garb and other insignia associated with the sannyasa way of life being only to facilitate this inner transformation and its auspicious influence on the society.

Decades back in the Ashram, Poojya Swamiji was replying to some doubts expressed by a disciple on who is fit to take up sannyasa and what should be the lifestyle of a sannyasin. A summary of the discussions was published in our monthly journal "Vicharasetu-The Path of Introspection" in 1983. Later on, a revised version of the text suitable for all seekers in general, was published in Vicharasetu in 2005. Many readers - non-sannyasins as well as sannyasins responded with great appreciation and requested us to publish the articles in the form of a booklet.

We are happy that at least now, in the 50th year of sannyasa of our Poojya Swamiji, we have been able to respond to their request. It will be a blessing for our society if people by and large can have a sound conception about the true spirit and purpose of the fourth and final order of life-the sannyasasrama-following brahmacarya, garhasthya and vanaprastha. May the enlightening words of Poojya Swamiji have their desired contribution towards this auspicious goal.

**Contents and Sample Pages**