What is Sannyasa

The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word "Sannyasa" is - complete (or perfect) renunciation. Thus a Sannyasi is a person who has renounced all worldly desires and works for the benefit of the world. The aim of Sannyasa is "Atmano mokshartham, jagat hitaya cha" which means "for the liberation of the soul and for the good of the world." The term Sannyasi is applicable to both men and women. Generally a male Sannyasi is referred to as "Swami" and a female Sannyasi is referred to as "Swamini".

"A Sannyasi is a real servant of the world. In fact, he or she is the only one who serves and loves the world without receiving anything in return. For a genuine Sannyasi, the whole world is a garden and each individual is a flower therein. Such a person belongs to the whole world and has no particular caste, creed, sect or religion. Everyone has equal rights to the Sannyasi" — Amma

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Sannyasa

Sannyas Initiation

Ones Own Rites

Prayers to Sea

For Good of World

Sri Shankara

Upanishad