Sanyaas Vivaah – A Union Towards Liberation

Life is a journey comprised of various stages, and among them, the decision to enter into marriage stands as a pivotal juncture that has the power to reshape the course of one’s existence. For most young individuals, marriage represents an eagerly anticipated chapter in life, brimming with promise and opportunity. However, for those who have nurtured the seeds of Vairagya (higher attachment) in their hearts, and who have found their roots deep within the fertile soil of spirituality, the approach of the age suitable for marriage brings forth a cascade of profound questions.

Spirituality and Marriage

Walking the spiritual path, young souls often find themselves in deep contemplation. They ponder whether marriage will serve to bind them further or act as a liberating force. Questions emerge, like ripples in a calm pond:

Will marriage augment the complexities of worldly existence? If one decides not to embrace marriage, what consequences will follow? Is the path of sanyaas (renunciation) the rightful choice? And if sanyaas is chosen, what responsibilities will one bear towards family and parents? How will they sustain their life post-renunciation, and who will safeguard their spiritual journey? Does marriage risk diminishing the inner purity?

For those who opt for neither sanyaas nor marriage, do they risk a life that is arid and empty of joy? Who will stand as their companion through the joys and sorrows of youth, adulthood, and old age? Who will provide the unwavering support on their spiritual quest? 

Even within families devoted to the spiritual journey, concerns arise as their children approach the age of decision. These dilemmas are especially acute for those who have cultivated a deep sense of Vairagya.

In such moments of doubt, the foresight and compassion of saints offer the most profound resolution. By embracing the solution as a divine directive from Sri Guru, a young couple has chosen to embark on a new path in life, known as ‘Sanyaas Vivah,’ in the presence of revered saints and the larger society.

On October 24, 2023, in Gurugram, the founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Delhi, Sri Guru Ratna Prabhu and Nilesh Thosani’s son ‘Parth,’ and the daughter of Gautam and Neha Kamdar ‘Kruti,’ entered into ‘Sanyaas Vivah’ amidst the presence of saints and society. In this union, a commitment to life is present, but it is founded upon the oath of lifelong celibacy, in an unwavering adherence to the principles of renunciation.

The glow of Vairagya and wisdom shines brilliantly in the hearts of those who contemplate such a profound decision on the spiritual path.

The Significance of Renunciation and Marriage

The spiritual power of saints is considered to be manifold greater than the alluring power of Maya, which enthrals the world. Maya, along with its worldly entanglements, deceives beings and enslaves them within the ceaseless cycle of sansara. This Maya Shakti, the power of illusion, stands as the root cause of boundless suffering in both the present and the future. Scriptures assert that the four factors leading to bondage in sansara are hunger (ahara), fear (bhaya), sexual desire (maithuna), and possessions (parigraha), which are the formidable components of the Maya Shakti.

For those souls who have savored the joy of renunciation, there is now an intense desire to break free from the entanglements of sansara due to the binding nature of marriage. The teaching of Sri Guru is remarkably simple – we cannot renounce food, possessions, or fear, but we can voluntarily renounce sexual desire. By doing so, we render one of the four components of Maya Shakti, which is akin to a powerful chain that holds us within the material world, powerless. This practice of celibacy is exalted in scriptures because by renouncing sexual activity, we weaken Maya Shakti’s grip on the soul. As a result, celibacy is celebrated in the scriptures. When a soul refrains from indulging in sexual desires, it liberates itself from a substantial portion of Maya Shakti’s binding power, much like a burnt string that maintains its shape but loses its capacity to bind.

Another pivotal facet of ‘Sanyaas Vivah’ is that when one chooses celibacy, they free themselves from the extensive worldly responsibilities tied to raising a child, providing education, and ensuring security. During this phase, individuals amass time and energy that can be wholly dedicated to self-realization and spiritual practice, leading to the effective pursuit of life’s highest goals.

So, Why Marriage?

Naturally, the question arises – if one intends to maintain celibacy, why enter into marriage? Saintly souls offer forthright answers to every query that springs in the hearts of those who seek the path of knowledge and Vairagya.

Sri Guru underscores that the journey toward liberation is a lifelong process. In this context, the support of a ‘complementing consciousness’ as life partner assumes paramount importance.

Young souls, upon receiving the shelter of the Sadguru, find direction and guidance in their lives. However, traversing this path with a life partner is of great advantage, as they become each other’s support, inspiration, and guardians of each other’s spiritual integrity. Together, they embrace Satvik living, signifying virtuous existence, and through mutual self-restraint, they grow in strength and empowerment, propelling each other forward on the path to liberation.

In the arrangement of ‘Sanyaas Vivah,’ the seeds of Vairagya, the power of the mind, and the complete spectrum of practices required for spiritual progress converge. Thus, marriage serves not only the purpose of worldly responsibilities but also the higher goals of existence – liberation and spiritual elevation.

Under the Blessings of Saints

For the establishment of such a unique purpose and influential way of life through ‘Sannyas Vivah,’ several saints blessed it with their direct and indirect presence. This includes the renowned founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, Pujya Shri Rakesh Bhai, who personally administered the oath of celibacy to this couple. In the divine presence of Sri Guru, the entire marriage ceremony was graced with a divine ambiance, which continued to be experienced by everyone. Saints perceive this as a strong and complete nurturing of the seeds of dharma that are sprouting within many young individuals today on the path of spirituality.

The historical event of ‘Sanyaas Vivah’ in the presence of saints marks a significant turning point in the tapestry of time. According to Sri Guru, those filled with renunciation experience the security against Maya while still living in the world. Their pure and virtuous conduct forms the bedrock of their lives, leading them successfully along the path of human existence.

Press Release (Open Circulation)

Editorial Team, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Delhi