Samadhan Prakash – Part 7

1. What is the nature of Sanyam (Discipline)?

Question: Sanyam is a term we’ve been hearing since childhood. Even when we go to Sadhus and Saints, they ask us to renounce something or the other, which actually feels mundane and unpleasant. You say that “Dharma is Anand (bliss)”, but we don’t feel any bliss in renunciation. Then, what is the true nature of Sanyam that we should understand?

Solution: The term Sanyam is commonly presumed as ‘Tyag’ (renunciation). Renunciation of any object is often termed as Sanyam in the informal language. But on this journey of self-evolution, we don’t confine it to such a narrow definition.  Sanyam is about embracing renunciation thoughtfully and purposefully. For instance, if a person vows to give up sweets in the name of Sanyam, but does so with a lack of interest, just for keeping a score, or for boasting in front of others , then this is not Sanyam. Merely forgoing an object does not eliminate our attachment towards that object. But when you do so after understanding the futility of seeking pleasure from it, that is called Sanyam. And why keep record of an object whose futility has dawned upon us! The Tyag that happens naturally, without maintaining any record of it is true Sanyam, and it basically involves giving up the attachment towards an object. Giving up the attachment is what leads to bliss. Only then can ‘Sanyam’ be regarded as Dharma.

2. Should we renounce an object even without understanding its futility?

Question:  Sri Guru, you say that renunciation of an object is meaningful only when we feel the futility of seeking pleasure from it. But we don’t feel the futility yet. We do derive pleasure from it, but we also end up regretting that pleasure afterwards. In such a scenario, should we renounce the object?

Solution: There’s both enjoyment and regret in seeking material pleasures – such is the seeker’s dilemma. It is an eternal law that chasing momentary pleasure leads to transmigration, while embracing Sanyam leads to liberation. Tyag can be an excellent medium, but it becomes ‘Sanyam’ only when you realise its true purpose. Tyag is a medium, while Sanyam is the goal. There are three kinds of motivation behind our Tyag:

• First: Tyag caused by realising the futility of an object. This Tyag is visible in every Sadguru’s life. 
• Second: Tyag done to bring your mind in control. This Tyag is a necessary self-effort in a seeker’s life.
• Third: Tyag done to set an ideal example in one’s family or society at large. This type of Tyag is evident throughout our cultural history, in the lives of some extraordinary individuals (Lord Ram, Mahaveer, Buddha etc.). The inner state of such beings is always detached, but in order to establish ideal virtues in society and nation, they lead a life that is rich in Tyag. This becomes a great source of inspiration for others.

3. Why does Sanyam feel like a restriction?

Question: When we commit to any Sanyam, we have complete control of our mind for the first few days. But after that, the Sanyam starts feeling like an impediment. What should we do in such a situation?

Solution: The mind tends to waver constantly. Sometimes it grows eager for sensory pleasures, while at other times it realizes the futility of such material enjoyment. Had the mind’s nature not been so volatile, liberation would be close at hand! But the reality is that we must persuade this variable mind of ours. Sanskar (past habits and tendencies) will perform their role, but we must use our Vivek (discerning ability) to stand firm on the foundation of Tyag. As the seeker’s inner Paatrata (preparedness) evolves, Sanyam seems less like a restriction. Rather, you start feeling a sense of protection in Sanyam. For instance, if a farmer builds a fence around the fields, that fence is not serving as a restriction, rather a medium of protection. Similarly, when a seeker sees their commitments to Sanyam as a safeguard (from vices), it indicates that their inner preparedness is evolving.

When a craving arises, the seeker should remain firm that the Mind, although eager for pleasure in that moment, is of variable nature. If you delay the temptation to indulge even for a few hours, it diminishes on its own. It is my personal experience that although Tyag may originate in the mind, but sustaining Tyag is possible only through boundless love for a Sadguru. Hence, it is my firm conclusion that Sanyam should only be embraced with a Sadguru’s Agya and presence – whether physical (Pratyaksh Samagam) or mental (Smaran).

4. Is the mind our enemy?

Question: Everyone says that mind is our enemy, that giving in to its never-ending desires has increased our transmigration, we should never listen to it, we should do the opposite of whatever it wants us to do, etc. Then, don’t we need to persuade the mind for Tyag? We feel that the mind itself is our biggest obstacle.

Solution: The mind being an obstacle seems to be the common experience. But my perspective is different, because my relationship with the mind takes a fundamentally different form. I have never considered the mind as an enemy. Rather, for me my mind is like a child. At times it’s simple, obedient, and disciplined, while at other times it grows complicated, stubborn, and restless. I view these contrasting aspects of the mind as a whole, since this is where both auspicious and inauspicious thoughts & feelings originate. Hence, I cannot consider the mind as my enemy as it has fostered numerous good and auspicious thoughts in my life. As a seeker, you need to redefine your relationship with the mind. Mind is not an enemy, it’s just like a child. And you don’t need a large army to handle a child, all you need is a mother’s heart!

5. Is Sanyam necessary?

Question: We feel great enthusiasm for Seva, but not so much for Tyag-Sanyam. So, can we consider Seva as our only Dharma, or is Sanyam indispensable?

Solution: Dharma is that which brings us back to our true nature. The four foundational pillars of SRM together constitute a spiritual plan that takes a seeker towards their Sat-Chitt-Anand (eternal-conscious-blissful) nature. Prem (Love) transforms our belief system, and Seva cultivates our selfless nature. Only after that does a seeker become eligible to experience their true nature. Such a capable seeker needs Sanyam in order to conserve their energy. If you focus only on Seva and don’t enter into Sanyam, their energy continues to drain towards worldly attachments and desires. As a consequence, the seeker cannot proceed to the next stage of their spiritual journey – ‘Sadhana’. Thus, Sanyam is indispensable.

6. What is more important for our inner evolution?

Question: How do we decide whether we need Seva, Sanyam or Sadhana for our inner evolution? Is there a way to ascertain what is essential for us?

Solution: The path of spirituality is one that aims for comprehensive growth, while the mind’s habit is to pick and choose. But on this path, it is not possible to choose one and abandon the rest. Yes, it’s true that at SRM, we have emphasized upon only four foundational virtues, instead of having too many means. Now, why do you want to further select one among these four…? The four foundational pillars of SRM constitute a complete path to liberation. In other words, all four are essential. For instance, on a journey from Delhi to Jaipur, we will encounter various landscapes and buildings – gardens, crematory grounds, houses, shops, plains, mountains etc. – they are all part of the journey, we can’t choose among them. Similarly, Prem-Seva-Sanyam-Sadhana is a complete path for all-round transformation. Selecting any one is foolish and futile. Yes, it could certainly be possible that one seeker does more Seva than Sanyam, while another seeker gets more opportunities for Sadhana compared to Seva. But all four are required in reasonable proportions.

7. Is Sadhana superior to Sanyam?

Question: Are Seva and Sanyam required for a seeker who has reached the stage of Sadhana, or are those two integrated in Sadhana itself?

Solution: Prem-Seva-Sanyam-Sadhana constitute the path to attain comprehensive growth within us. While Prem changes our belief system and establishes the idea that ‘Everything is Connected’, Seva happens when this belief reflects in our nature and actions. You don’t have to do this Seva at a hospital or a Langar (community kitchen of a Gurdwara); What’s important is to cultivate a selfless attitude whilst living your day-to-day life with your family at home, colleagues at work etc. This attitude is what arranges the Karmic forces in a way that intensifies the seeker’s desire to move forward on the journey of experiencing their true Self. This is what makes the seeker turn inwards (towards Self-realisation). Then arrives a state where the seeker has an intense desire for Self-realisation, but lacks the requisite energy to remain steady within. In this state, it is necessary to take the basis of Sanyam to stem the outward flow of the energy. Conserving these energies through Sanyam enables them to rise by means of the Sadhana bestowed upon them by Shri Sadguru, thus becoming the foundation for their Self-realisation.

8. Are Sanyam and Sadhana mutually dependent?

Question: We have often experienced that being in Sanyam has a positive impact on our Sadhana, and also keeps us full of enthusiasm and love. Does this mean that Sanyam and Sadhana are mutually dependent?Solution: All the four foundational pillars are interdependent. Love is the effort we make to upgrade our belief system that everything is connected, while Sadhana is what leads to that experience of oneness. Seva and Sanyam are two special stages in reaching this experience. Keep in mind that even for seekers who have reached the peak of Sadhana, the virtues of Seva and Sanyam become their very nature. If it weren’t so,  then Lord Mahaveer, Lord Buddha, Guru Nanak etc. would not have dedicated their entire lives for the well-being of society after realizing their supreme nature. Following their supreme union with the Divine, every self-realized being leads a life of Seva and Sanyam to set an ideal example for seekers. So, we should consider all four virtues of Prem-Seva-Sanyam-Sadhana as interdependent, and remain engaged in them with as much time and energy as possible.

While reading these answers, it is natural that some new questions might arise in the seeker’s mind. We invite you to post those questions in the comments section below. Answers to questions related to your spiritual growth can be obtained from Sri Guru. Some of them shall be published in the next issue of Samadhan Prakash.

Read previous blogs of Sri Guru’s Samadhan Prakash:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Get in-depth answers to more such questions, in ‘Samadhan’ book: Click Here»

Bliss of Wisdom is a blog for seekers who are in search of their true self. It is published by Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Delhi – a spiritual revolutionary movement founded by Sri Guru. She is a spiritual Master who has transformed innumerable lives through her logical explanations and effective meditation techniques. To know more, visit www.srmdelhi.org.