Dear brothers and sisters in renunciation,

Swami Kriyananda, in his book A Renunciate Order for the New Age makes a list of the hallmarks of those he considers “worthy of acceptance as renunciates.” These points are crucial in the path of inner renunciation, and although they may seem a little difficult for us to achieve, we must consider that any path, however challenging it may be, always begins with the first, small steps.

Each one of us, whatever our degree of renunciation, Pilgrim, Tyagi, Brahmachari or Nayaswami, is taking those small, big steps on the path of Self-realization.  

The first of the 14 points Swami refers to is:

“They have no, or very few, attachments or desires”

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It must be understood that non-attachment itself is not the goal of renunciation, the supreme purpose of which is to give one the freedom to devote himself primarily to his spiritual search. The real delusion to be overcome is the bondage of ego-identity. The true goal of renunciation is to help one to rid himself of that self-limiting identity… A Renunciate Order for the New Age – Swami Kriyananda – 

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View life’s ups and downs with a serene mind. For outward existence is only a game. View your wins and losses with mental detachment, as you would a movie. After viewing a good drama, even a tragic one, you exclaim, “What a good story! I learned much from it.” Similarly, even after experiencing tragic events in your life, tell yourself, “I am grateful for that experience! It taught me much.”Life needs variety to be interesting. If a novel makes us laugh or cry, we appreciate it. Think of life as a good novel, or a good movie. Step back from it a little, mentally. View it in perspective. If you don’t like the plot, remember, the freer you are inside, the greater will be your ability to change it.  

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda, edited by J. Donald Walters

Letter from Clarita

In Kali Yuga the pull of Maya was so powerful that those who wished to seek God had to abandon all material possessions, all affections and live in chastity, obedience and poverty. 

Yogananda, for us who live in Dwapara Yuga, changed this rule by suggesting moderation instead of chastity, cooperation instead of blind obedience and simplicity instead of poverty. At this evolutionary stage we are more ready to understand that true detachment is not outward, but inward. It is not the possession of objects that enslaves us, but our being attached to them. On the other hand, getting rid of everything and then living regretting what one has left behind would be of no spiritual use.

Swami Kriyananda, in this, was a great example to us. In his dwellings, he was surrounded by many comforts, but he was not attached to them. When he realized that the Master wanted him in India, he packed a little baggage in two days and, at the age of 78, and with many health problems, he left, leaving everything behind, even though he was aware that the climate of India could kill him. He was able to do this only because he was inwardly free and did not consider anything he owned as his own; everything was the Divine Mother’s.

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Brahmacharini Ahimsa’s testimony on detachment:

“What I am learning with the Brahmacharya vow is to let go of attachment to things, people and places, with the clear certainty that this is going to free me, little by little, and bring both my attention and energies to focus only on seeking my Divine Source. The result within me is greater and increasing happiness, calm and inner peace.”

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UPCOMING DATES:

NOVEMBER, MONTH OF RENUNCIATION

  • SUNDAY 6: GREAT SATSANG With presentation and detailed introduction to the New Order.
  • FRIDAY 18/20 SUNDAY – 1st RETREAT OF RENUNCIANTS EUROPE 

A retreat for all Renunciates and for those who would-be Renunciates, to magnetize the New Order and pray for the world.

Please note: Due to organizational reasons we need to know who will attend in presence at the retreat. You can communicate this to Vinaya by WhatsApp, or by email to vinaya@ananda.it.