Dear Akshay,
All of us who commented seem to agree that every one is on the path of self- realization and will reach his objective some day. When you have indicated a conscious move to pursue spirituality, you are only placing yourself a little ahead.

Have you looked at Gita 4.17? Some discrimination seems to be indicated in recognizing permitted action, forbidden action and inaction. As the pursuit of spirituality does itself lead to awareness, such discrimination is only a logical step and one moves smoothly into appropriate karma.

In seeing kaaryam karma or obligatory duty (Gita 3.19) as virtue or dharma, you are already showing your high level of awareness. 3.19 also reminds one about detachment. You are asked to do your duty in asakta, detached mode.

Sannyasa could be an optional special goal at an appropriate special moment in a person's life, but renunciation of fruits of karma, namely nishkamya-karma would seem to be always indicated.
Regards. Partha.
Dear Narensomu,
Tirukkural devotes a third of itself to Dharma purushaartha or the purushaartha of obligatory duty/virtue. Among the aran/aram chapters there is the special one, the fourth on emphasis on virtuous living, aran valiyuruttal. You may like to go to your father's notes for the chapter.
Regards. Partha.

Dear Akshay

That is a very well written article -and the fact that you have used examples makes things very clear.A wonderful way of putting forward a thought.

I too felt Alex and Henry would reach that higher plane [ may take a longer time] but Pradip has explained that point very beautifully.

As he says, most of us are like Alex and Henry and the stories of Bhakts we read prove, that it is possible for people who are frustrated by a distressing life -changing experience to move towards religion [ as they seek a pain killer or a stress buster].

But they too can certainly move towards spirituality if they take that one , all impoartant step towards HIM.

He then takes TEN steps towards them and if he so wishes, he can grant them gnana in a flash!

Regards
ns

Dear Akshay,

This is a fascinating topic, the motivation for becoming a monk. You have written that only Richard is right while Alex and Henry are frustrated materialists.You give Gita 2.47 as the reason for your opinion. I think

Gita 2.47 (To work alone you have competence, and not to claim their fruits. Let not
the longing for fruits be the motive force of your action. At the same time
let not this attitude confirm you in indolent inaction.)

is about Karma Yoga and has nothing to do with Sannyas.


I think all three are right! It does not matter that Alex and Henry are frustrated materialists. Gita considers even frustrated materialists as noble and pious as is clear from the following verses:

O Arjuna, the greatest of the Bharata race! Four kinds of pious men adore
Me. They are the distressed one, the knowledge-seeker, the wealth-seeker,
and the knower (jnani). (Gita 7.16)

Among them, the knower (jnani), ever communing and single-minded in devotion,
is the best. I am indeed supremely dear to such a jnani, and he is dear to
Me. (Gita 7.17)

While all of them are certainly noble, the jnani I cherish as My very self -
such is My view. For ever in union with Me, he is established in the
conviction that I am his highest goal. (Gita 7.1

Most people are like Alex and Henry!

Regards

Pradip

Dear Akshay,

Once again a very well articulated stance.
I must say that you have analyzed the "quest" and the "seekers" rather well. But I would like to highlight one portion of your article specifically, to express my thoughts.

note that the phrase "pursuing spirituality" does not imply the kind of superficially spiritual lifestyle, typified by some American aspirants who claim to practise Yoga yet continue to indulge in the American dream

Spirituality is a continually evolving process of self-realization (I won't call it self-improvement, but dispelling of misconceptions about oneself).
Indeed, an abjectly materialistic society will naturally give rise to a materialistic approach to everything (consumerism at it's peak) -- thus the American Yogis tendency to be superfluous.

But reality is that any step in the Path is a right step and a journey of a thousand miles begins with that first one. So, ideally the aspirant's goal has to be rooted in Sattva. But we don't live in an ideal world and a gradual journey from Tamas to Rajas to Sattva isn't all that bad (given the alternative). While it is true that not everyone can make this transition, it is also true that a dedicated practice will eventually refine the self and lead the seeker to his/her ultimate goal (whether they realize it as such or not).

Regards,

Dwai

Dear Akshay,
You have presented your schedule ably, with great erudition and matching humility. Others can only nod from the ring seat hoping that like Janadeva, you too will master the secret of 'renunciation' of the fruits of your karmic endeavours, and hoping equally fervently that the supreme confers the appropriate fruits on you any way, as you receive them with dispassion!
Your simplicity, directness and focus are belied by your modest self assessment, where you talk of your 'disorganization'.In the unfailing program where the Jiva practising Atmaniyama invariably reaches the supreme, no two Jiva journeys may appear similar. But the supreme knows the program after all and the Jiva can just decide to stay on course doing his karma the way it is suggested to him. All the best!
Regards. Partha.