Create Doubt

Exemplary renunciates create a sense of doubt, often without even saying a word. Why would they give it all up? What are they are experiencing that gives them such detachment? Are all the things we work so hard for really worth the trouble? A brahmana was once sent to Sanatana Goswami to ask for something very valuable in his possession. Upon arrival and request, Sanatana Goswami told him that he had a touchstone – a gem which was capable of transforming iron into gold – lying in a pile of garbage. The brahmana found it, used it, and happily set off with this priceless gift. While wandering off, however, he began to consider, “Sanatana Goswami has left this valuable touchstone in a pile of garbage, completely indifferent to it. That means he must have something far more valuable in his possession.” He thus approached Sanatana again: “You must have something more valuable than this stone; please give it to me.” Sanatana Goswami gave him the Hare Krishna mantra to chant.

The words of saintly renunciates (sadhus) can also have powerful impact: “An intelligent person should therefore reject all bad association and instead take up the association of saintly devotees, whose words cut off the excessive attachment of one’s mind” (SB 11.26.26). We see this in the example of Narada, whose powerpacked words convinced Daksa’s sons to give it all up. Saintly souls fuel our doubt in material life and all the illusory offers of happiness that lure us away from our real self-interest.