Detachment (Vairagya) is the sine quo non for renunciation as engagement with the world leads to attachment by fuelling desires. Spiritual practices are designed to wean a spiritual seeker away from sensory attractions and hence for one who has attained self-control it makes no difference if he does not renounce the world formally (Sanyasa). If one renounces family life to pursue the spiritual path without developing total detachment his renunciation will only be an outer mark.
In his discourse, Sri B.Sundar Kumar said it was not incumbent on everyone to renounce the world to pursue the spiritual path. In fact, scriptural texts are replete with examples of great devotees who realized God as householders.
The Bhagavata Purana relates the life of King Priyavrata, the elder son of Swayambhuva Manu, to show that a devotee can stay attuned to the spiritual goal amidst family life. When he was called upon by his father to rule the kingdom, the prince, who had with the blessing of Sage Narada developed unalloyed devotion to God, was on the verge of undertaking a vow of total contemplation on the Lord.
Being a dutiful son he accepted his father's word though he was not interested in power and pelf, which he knew were deterrents to the spiritual path. In order to promote creation, Brahma, the creator, came down to the world to counsel Priyavrata to accept the kingdom and to propagate his lineage. Brahma advised, "He who is keen to subdue the six foes (to spiritual pursuit) should in the first instance strive to conquer them while remaining at home; for he alone who has ensconced himself in a stronghold is able to overcome even powerful enemies. When these (internal) foes grow weak, the wise man may roam about at will."
Priyavrata accepted his advice and ruled the world righteously; he married the divine architect Viswakarma's daughter and begot 10 sons and a daughter. He had three more sons by another wife. Such an emperor, who was blessed with all that a man could ask for, remembered his earlier resolve one day and handing over the reins of his kingdom to his sons followed the path of renunciation.
Courtesy: Religion, The Hindu, Madurai, November 6, 2007
