renunciation: Two kinds of renunciation

There are two types of renunciation: customary and non-customary. The first kind is about abstaining from society and retiring to a remote location, ideally a monastery, by abiding by the rules established by a particular sect or faith. Here, you might have to go through several procedures, like acquiring an initiation from a guru, giving up all you own, tonsuring your head, and donning exclusive outfits. You will never turn back to the outside world after completing this rite. It signifies the end of your relationship with the material world.

The second type is non-traditional, meaning, you won’t follow any traditions or go through any kind of initiation process with a guru. It begins gently with Vairagya and gradually progresses. During this process, you move away from things, objects and desires one by one. You will entirely break all ties to the material world and exist in it without being affected by it if Vairagya reaches its peak intensity. Praktriti helps you here. You build your own ashram and begin to live there. You’ll traverse the world like a fish, not letting the world consume you. In Vairagya, layer after layer of your ego is removed. Consciousness becomes more apparent within you, which will serve as your mentor and compass.

In the first kind, you don’t accept the world, while in the second kind, you accept the world and its complexities without being enmeshed in them. The true litmus test of your renunciation is the world. It is a constant understanding of self and living from moment to moment, both passionately and dispassionately.