Householder (and other related topics)

[Gummuluru Murthy]

Shri Giri, in his latest posting, refers to Shri Shankara's analysis of
Bhagavadgita. It is always a pleasure to see reference to Shri Shankara's
works because, as my writings throughout the past year indicate, I have
the utmost reverence to Shri Shankara as a paramaachaarya.

No one has doubted the necessity of renunciation in attaining jnana. The
question under discussion is sannyasa **ashrama** (i.e. taking the vows of
sannyasa and announcing to the world that X has renounced everything) and
whether it is more conducive to attaining jnana.

What I am saying is: unless the mind is ready, be the individual an
announced sannyasi or an announced grihastha, nothing happens. It is
no more easy for a sannyasi in an ochre robe but with an impure and
unready mind to get avidya removed than for a grihastha (again with an
impure and unready mind).

I think I have expressed my view clear enough on this matter. The
discussion on this topic, from my personal participation point, has
gone as far as it can go. I am grateful to Shri Giri for his contribution
and wish him peace of mind and serenity in his new place.

Regards
Gummuluru Murthy
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Yadaa sarve pramucyante kaamaa ye'sya hr^di shritaah
atha martyo'mr^to bhavatyatra brahma samashnute   Katha Upanishhad II.3.14

When all the desires that dwell in the heart fall away, then the mortal
becomes immortal, and attains Brahman even here.
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