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Spirit of renunciation

CHENNAI: The way to Moksha or liberation is common to all beings. It is always open as well. But only a few choose to go towards it since it is a hazardous route to tread. It can be reached only by renunciation, say scriptures and sacred texts. It is not work, progeny, wealth or scholarship that leads to liberation. It is only renunciation (Tyaga) that makes liberation possible for an individual. The import of the term renunciation is realised in one’s mental attitude alone implying an extreme state of honesty in one’s self assessment that automatically drives one’s way of life.

Spiritual progress depends on the adoption of an austere way of life when the material objects of the world no longer bear any significance to an individual. But more importantly one has to renounce all traces of ego — the sense of I and Mine — that very easily attaches itself to the mind, pointed out Sri V. S. Karunakarachariar in a lecture. Renouncing this ego sense is the most difficult aspect since it is very tempting to think of oneself as independent and self sustaining in the context of worldly life. The total surrender of oneself to the Lord (Saranagati) exemplifies this spirit of renunciation in all aspects. Among the Azhwars, Andal is believed to be the incarnation of Bhu Devi, and her hymn Tiruppavai teaches this Bhava of renunciation. Andal’s teaching is both simple and profound. As a spiritual preceptor, she is engaged in selfless service to all beings by showing the ultimate truth of the enduring relationship between every Jivatma and the Lord that continues unbroken through many births. The Tiruppavai repeatedly stresses that if one wishes in earnest to seek God, this desire alone can lead to the path of renunciation. The most auspicious day for one is the day when one gets initiated into the spiritual path. She makes it clear that devotion and love for God should be present in one’s innermost being and this would automatically be reflected in one’s word and action.

Great Acharyas and preceptors such as Parasara Bhattar, Ramanuja, Vedanta Desika and others have acknowledged and eulogised the poetic excellences in these hymns that effortlessly express the lofty thoughts of the Upanishads.

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