Significance of Renunciation
Renunciation is a central concept across various philosophies, primarily focusing on the abandonment of worldly attachments and desires to attain spiritual enlightenment. In Buddhism, it is exemplified by the Bodhisatta's commitment to monkhood, while Jainism emphasizes relinquishing attachments for spiritual growth. Vaishnavism and other traditions including Shaivism, Dharma, and Mahayana highlight renunciation as crucial for achieving higher spiritual states. Ultimately, the practice encourages individuals to detach from material pleasures to foster deeper connections with the divine and pursue enlightenment.
Synonyms: Abandonment, Rejection, Surrender, Repudiation
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Renunciation'
Renunciation in Buddhism involves willingly giving up worldly attachments and desires for spiritual pursuits, exemplified by figures like Prince Kondanna and the Bodhisatta. It emphasizes the importance of detachment for achieving enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The decision made by Bodhisatta Phussa to leave behind his royal life after witnessing four omens.[1] (2) The act of Bodhisatta Vessabhu giving up his royal life after viewing four omens, leading him to seek enlightenment.[2] (3) The act of Bodhisatta Mangala giving up worldly pleasures to seek enlightenment.[3] (4) The process through which Mahapaduma left his royal life to seek enlightenment.[4] (5) A practice (nekkhamma) reflected in the Ten Perfections that involves letting go of attachments.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The act of rejecting worldly possessions or desires; essential in the path of a monk.[6] (2) The act of giving up worldly life and attachments, undertaken by Prince Siddhattha in the pursuit of spiritual truth.[7] (3) The act of giving up worldly desires and attachments, which the Buddha practiced in his quest for enlightenment.[8]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The desire to give up worldly life and obligations in order to pursue spiritual goals.[9] (2) The act of giving up worldly possessions and attachments as emphasized in the Buddha's teachings.[10]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A significant theme in the stories where the Bodhisatta shows the willingness to give up worldly attachments.[11] (2) A parami involving the willingness to give up worldly attachments and desires.[12]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The decision-making moment regarding when the Bodisat will renounce worldly life in pursuit of enlightenment.[13] (2) The act of giving up worldly pleasures and attachments as part of the spiritual path to becoming a Samana.[14]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The act of giving up worldly possessions and desires for a higher spiritual purpose.[15]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The act of rejecting or letting go of sense desires as a means to surmount all suffering.[16]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Renunciation is the act of giving up sensuous pleasures for a greater understanding of non-attachment and the pursuit of spiritual growth.[17]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) The act of giving up worldly attachments and desires to focus on spiritual goals within Buddhist practice.[18]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The practice of giving up worldly desires and attachments as explained by the Buddha in his teachings.[19] (2) Renunciation (vairagya) is the practice of letting go of attachments and desires, recognized as the gateway to achieving the first dhyana.[20] (3) The concept of renouncing or letting go of attachments and fetters, which leads one towards nirvana.[21] (4) The act of giving up worldly attachments and desires, which is a significant theme in Buddhist practice.[22] (5) The act of giving up attachments to worldly pleasures and desires, signifying a commitment to spiritual growth.[23]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The act of abandoning worldly concerns recognized as lacking real meaning.[24] (2) The act of rejecting worldly attachments and desires to focus on spiritual practice.[25] (3) The wish to be liberated from worldly life and suffering, fostering a mindset necessary for deep practice and realization of buddha nature.[26]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The act of giving up worldly pleasures and attachments to pursue spiritual growth.[27] (2) The voluntary act of giving up worldly possessions, relationships, and comforts in pursuit of spiritual goals.[28]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The act of giving up worldly attachments and desires, portrayed in the text as fundamental for spiritual growth and liberation from suffering.[29]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The decision made by the Bodhisatta to abandon worldly life for spiritual attainment as a monk.[30] (2) The act of Anuruddha leaving behind household life to become a monk, greatly impacting his spiritual path.[31]
Hindu concept of 'Renunciation'
Renunciation in Hinduism involves voluntarily relinquishing worldly possessions and desires to pursue spiritual growth and liberation. It emphasizes detachment from material ties as essential for achieving deeper spiritual truths and true happiness.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The act of relinquishing worldly attachments and desires in pursuit of spiritual ideals.[32] (2) The act of giving up worldly attachments and desires to focus on spiritual development.[33] (3) The act of giving up worldly pleasures or possessions, which is not a focus of the activities found among Vaishnavas.[34] (4) The act of relinquishing worldly desires and attachments for the pursuit of spiritual growth.[35] (5) The act of giving up worldly attachments, supported by the remembrance of Lord Krishna and its benefits.[36]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The act of giving up worldly attachments, which is seen as a subsidiary practice compared to bhakti.[37] (2) Virakta, a quality that involves detachment from material desires and sense gratification, which is facilitated by the grace of Mahalakshmi.[38] (3) the process of abandoning the false ego to achieve self-satisfaction.[39] (4) Vairagya, or renunciation, is the act of giving up worldly attachments; however, when not directed towards bhakti, it can hinder the sweet nectar of devotion.[40] (5) Vairagya, the state of giving up attachment to sense objects and desires.[41]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) the act of giving up worldly ties or desires[42] (2) The act of relinquishing worldly possessions and desires for spiritual progress.[43] (3) The practice of giving up worldly attachments and desires to attain spiritual growth.[44] (4) The act of giving up or letting go of something, referenced as 'tyagam' in the Sanskrit text.[45] (5) The act of giving up attachment to material possessions and desires in pursuit of a higher understanding.[46]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The act of giving up material desires and attachments to attain spiritual truth.[47] (2) The act of giving up worldly pleasures and desires in pursuit of spiritual goals, often discussed in the context of genuine devotion.[48] (3) Praised as vairagya, it is deemed ineffective if it does not result in attachment to the lotus feet of Shri Bhagavan.[49]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The act of renouncing worldly pleasures and attachments, described as not being sufficient alone to bring one closer to the divine in this context.[50] (2) The act of giving up worldly attachments or desires, which is considered less effective for achieving the highest perfection in this context.[51]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The act of giving up worldly attachments, which is seen as useless if it does not lead to devotion towards Bhagavan.[52]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A significant quality within Vishvarupa's heart, indicating his desire to detach from worldly duties like marriage.[53]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A characteristic linked to the Lord’s capacity to withdraw from worldly attachments, emphasized in a later phase of His life.[54]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Regarded as the best form of penance, implying the relinquishment of worldly possessions and desires.[55] (2) A state of non-attachment that one was yet to achieve, denoting inner peace and liberation from desires.[56] (3) A state achieved by a Brahmana through detachment from material desires and living a life devoted to spiritual practices.[57] (4) The act of giving up desires and attachments in order to achieve spiritual progress and welfare.[58] (5) The act of giving up something, especially as part of spiritual or ascetic practices.[59]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The act of giving up material possessions and desires, encouraged within the philosophical context of the text.[60] (2) The act of relinquishing worldly attachments, viewed as a pathway to spiritual liberation, mentioned as the 'sons' of Bhakti.[61] (3) The act of giving up worldly attachments or desires for a higher spiritual pursuit or peace.[62]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The act of giving up worldly attachments and desires as a means of achieving spiritual progress and devotion to the divine.[63] (2) The practice of giving up worldly possessions and desires to pursue a life of spirituality and devotion.[64]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The practice of detachment from worldly desires and bonds, crucial for attaining spiritual fulfillment.[65] (2) The practice taken up by Utathya after feeling distraught over the ridicule of his illiteracy.[66]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The act of rejecting worldly pleasures or desires, emblematic of the qualities of those with godlike endowments.[67]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The voluntary rejection of worldly pleasures and attachments in pursuit of deeper spiritual truths and freedom.[68]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A fundamental principle in Buddhism and the Gita advocating for the abandonment of worldly life to achieve spiritual goals.[69]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The practice of giving up worldly desires and attachments, viewed as a means to attain genuine knowledge.[70]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The act of giving up worldly possessions and desires as a means to achieve spiritual freedom and enlightenment.[71]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The act of withdrawing from worldly pursuits and attachments in favor of spiritual growth.[72]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of abandoning worldly possessions and the notion of ownership, allowing a person to dedicate themselves entirely to spiritual pursuits.[73] (2) Refers to the practice of giving up certain acts, dealt with under later discourse in the text.[74] (3) The act of giving up worldly interests or possessions, which can lead to a brother being deprived of his share.[75] (4) The act of formally rejecting worldly desires and attachments as a means to achieve spiritual purity.[76] (5) The stage where a person withdraws from worldly life, which may be pursued after fulfilling the duties of householder and student.[77]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) Acknowledging the unreality of creation, this is the practice through which the sage meditates to access the unmanifest Absolute Truth.[78]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The act of giving up worldly life and attachments, highlighted as crucial for achieving immortality.[79]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The act of giving up desires and attachment, particularly in the context of seeking material wealth or offspring.[80]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The act of giving up worldly possessions and desires to attain greater spiritual goals.[81]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The practice of letting go of worldly attachments to attain a higher understanding and realization of ultimate reality.[82]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) The act of giving up worldly possessions and desires, central to the discourse on asceticism.[83] (2) The decision made by H. H. Tembesvami to pursue a spiritual life after the death of his wife, enabling his spiritual journey.[84] (3) The act of giving up worldly pleasures and attachments to pursue a higher spiritual existence, chosen by Nrisimhasarasvati.[85]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) The act of giving up worldly attachments and desires as a means to progress on the spiritual path.[86]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The act of abandoning material possessions and desires to achieve a higher state of being.[87]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) The act of giving up worldly attachments to attain deeper spiritual insights and liberation.[88]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The voluntary giving up of worldly attachments and desires, a key practice for those seeking immortality and higher truths.[89]
From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)
(1) The act of relinquishing desires and attachments to attain higher spiritual states and the promise of liberation from suffering.[90]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) A significant concept during the period of the formation of Kamasutra, viewed as an essential part of human life.[91]
Jain concept of 'Renunciation'
Renunciation in Jainism involves rejecting worldly attachments and desires, seen as essential for spiritual enlightenment, notably marked by Mahavira's ascetic choice to forsake possessions, profoundly impacting the life span of living beings.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The act of giving up worldly attachments, particularly associated with Arishtanemi's spiritual journey.[92] (2) The act of giving up worldly pleasures and desires, which Citra perceives as difficult but essential for those seeking spiritual enlightenment.[93]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The act of rejecting or giving up worldly attachments, which is described as having two forms.[94]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) The significant moment in Mahavira's life when he decided to leave behind worldly possessions and embrace a life of asceticism.[95]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The practice of giving up worldly attachments or desires, which affects the life-span of living beings.[96]
The concept of Renunciation in local and regional sources
Renunciation involves the formal rejection of worldly pleasures and attachments to pursue spiritual goals, as emphasized by Sastrigal, Vivekananda, and Iqbal, highlighting its significance for achieving spiritual fulfillment and freedom.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Giving up worldly attachments in favor of spiritual freedom and love.[97] (2) The relinquishing of worldly attachments and desires as part of a pathway to spiritual fulfillment.[98] (3) The act of detaching oneself from worldly desires and attachments, which Iqbal advocated for spiritual clarity without abandoning the struggle for life.[99] (4) The formal rejection of worldly pleasures and attachments in pursuit of spiritual goals.[100] (5) Sastrigal's desire to seek a spiritual path separate from worldly attachments and familial duties after celebrating his marriage at sixty.[101]