Real Renunciates

“According to Daksa’s philosophy, one should become implicated in material enjoyment so that after experiencing the distress of such enjoyment one will automatically renounce. Material nature, however, is so strong that although a man suffers at every step, he will not cease his attempts to enjoy (trpyanti neha krpana-bahu-duhkha-bhajah (SB 7.9.45)). Under the circumstances, unless one gets the association of a devotee like Narada Muni or his servant in the disciplic succession, one’s dormant spirit of renunciation cannot be awakened. It is not a fact that because material enjoyment involves so many painful conditions one will automatically become detached. One needs the blessings of a devotee like Narada Muni. Then one can renounce his attachment for the material world. The young boys and girls of the Krishna consciousness movement have given up the spirit of material enjoyment not because of practice but by the mercy of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His servants.” (SB 6.5.41)

Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami, the illustrious author of Chaitanya-Charitamrita famously noted: “Renunciation is the basic principle sustaining the lives of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s devotees. Seeing this renunciation, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is extremely satisfied.” Renunciation, in its deepest sense, is universal. It applies to celibates and householders alike. Every devotee must free themselves from the desires for material pleasure, lest the resolute determination for devotional service cannot take place.

That said, the renunciates, who physically leave everything behind and visibly embrace detachment, are key members of any society. In spiritual culture, such holy persons were revered as priests, educators, counsellors, advisors and, above all, inspirers. Their sole interest was the interest of others. And thus, although Daksa was outraged at the influence of Narada Muni, who effortlessly convinced his 11,000 sons to avoid the complexities of married life, we can understand that such renunciates are a great inspiration to society. They have two crucial roles to play in the world.