Miscellaneous - Religion   

Hallmarks of a Yogi

CHENNAI: In the scheme of life ordained in the scriptures for an individual, there are four stages — student-disciple (Brahmacharya), householder (Grihastha), retreat (Vanaprastha) and total renunciation (Sanyasa). The fourth stage is accessible only to those who have the mental maturity to renounce household life and adopt the life of a Sanyasi. Such people are realised souls.

This renounced state may be adopted at any time, though, in the normal run, it is adopted after passing through the other three stages. The means by which this is possible is illustrated in the manner in which Sage Kardama leaves the hermitage, pointed out Sri B. Sundarkumar in a discourse. Kardama, who had always been a sincere devotee of the Lord, exemplifies the spirit of true renunciation. In response to the sage’s devotion and sincere worship, the Lord had manifested Himself seated on the Garuda and blessed the sage with a married life with the devout Devahuti, daughter of Svayambhuva Manu. The Lord stated that after the birth of nine daughters, He Himself would be born to this couple as Kapila to enlighten people towards the path of salvation.

In due course Sage Kardama and Devahuti got their daughters married to various eminent sages. Kardama had no desires except the one predominant longing to meditate on the Lord. So he sought the Lord’s permission to renounce material life. The Lord granted his desire and blessed him with the realised state by which he would always perceive the Supreme Self as the indwelling spirit in all living beings. With such an all inclusive perspective, there would be no sense of I and Mine which is the cause of all sorrows and fear. Kardama enjoyed a freedom from worldly attachments and was content with the knowledge of the Self.

It is important that one not merely abstains from family and possessions but also renounces the attachment in one’s inner mind. It implies a state of self discipline when the will and emotions are well under control. There is no other preoccupation except being steeped in thoughts of God. Such a person is without any attachment and has renounced all connections to the world.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 9393
Solution to puzzle 9392
Hallmarks of a Yogi
dated December 2, 1958: “Export drive”
dated December 2, 1958: Indo-Ceylon trade
dated December 2, 1958: Top U.N. post
Weather

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu