SADHANA MANDIR

In addition to the resident sadhakas, the ashram is a sanyasi community that teaches and inspires residents to achieve the goal of life. The path of renunciation through vairagya is the goal of the sanyasi. Through faith, persistence, and patience, the sadhaka achieves this lofty degree of mental clarity and invites the illuminating light of the spirit to reveal one’s self, one’s true identity. Swami Rama described in the chapter, Jewels or Fire, from Living with the Himalayan Masters, “If you can go through that huge wall of fire, only then can you follow on the path of renunciation.” The jewels are the pleasures of desires for the world; the fire is the light of knowledge and freedom from the bondage of ignorance and delusion. Only those who are fearless and free from the attractions of the world can tread this path which is like a razor’s edge. Only one, who has directed all his desires one-pointedly and strengthened the desire for enlightenment, can embrace and enjoy renunciation.

The final renunciation is to renounce the fear of death and drop the body. Swami Rama states in the chapter “Attitudes towards Dying” (Living with the Himalayan Masters), modern man has not yet learned the techniques of casting off the body voluntarily and joyfully. During the time of death, he becomes miserable and experiences many psychological pains. This inevitable change called death is itself not painful, but the fear of death creates miseries for the dying one. Learn to live each day joyfully as if it were your last. This is beautifully explained in his book, Sacred Journey.