This morning a bunch of Priests visited our house. Two of them seemed to be grihasta’s (householders), and one seemed to be a Sanyasi – he was wearing the saffron of renunciation. They said the shloka’s, blessed the family and left. They didn’t ask for dakshina, but we gave. This is a yearly routine.

Saffron connotes renounciation. The real sadhu’s and sanyasi’s – people who have renounce the world to focus on the atma (soul) and the paramatma (the translation would be God but it is an inadequate translation).

Sanyasi in Kathmandu – Pashupatinath Temple

There is a general respect towards people who wear saffron. It is assumed that they are Sadhu’s or Sadhvi’s (good people). But, in a land where religion is so much a part of everyday life, it is easy to fool people with saffron vestments. However, the act of wearing saffron means that you have renounced everything including family attachments, formal religion, including hate, including anger, including involvement in day to affairs of people ….. you belong to all, none belong to you, You have in effect renounced samsara…..

Sanyasi – Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu

In most temple towns you see lots of people wearing saffron robes, not all of them are genuine. Most genuine Sanyasi’s and Sadhu’s will ask for nothing. Will not bother you. If you wish to offer food or shelter it is your prerogative. A Sanyasi and a Rishi are two different things. A Rishi is a learned person, not necessarily a Sanyasi. (s)He can just as well be a householder. A Sanyasi is not necessarily a learned person.

Both men and women can take renunciation. It is recommended that you renounce the world only after you have fulfilled all your duties and responsibilities. It is not meant to be a method of running away.

The Smiling Sadhvi – at Pashupatinath, Kathmandu

Sadhu’s and Sadhvi’s (sanyasi’s and Sanyansin’s ) are supposed to be calm, and even tempered. They are supposed to be at peace with themselves and the universe.

Sadhu outside the Kizhaperumpallam temple, Tamil Nadu

And maybe that is why the involvement of sadhu’s and sadhvi’s in planting bombs causes me so much anguish…. They are desecrating the religion and the Gods by their actions….