Significance of Sannyasin
Sannyasin refers to a monk or ascetic who has renounced worldly life in pursuit of spiritual truths. This term is prevalent in various Hindu traditions, including Vaishnavism, Vedanta, and Shaivism. Sannyasins are considered revered individuals who give up attachments and engage in spiritual practices aimed at achieving enlightenment and liberation. Their lifestyle often includes celibacy and austerities, symbolized by specific insignia like staffs. The role of a Sannyasin reflects a deep commitment to spiritual goals and the attainment of Moksha.
Synonyms: Renunciant, Seeker, Disciple, Ascetic, Hermit, Monk, Recluse, Renunciate
In Dutch: Sannyasin; In Finnish: Sannyasin
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sannyasin'
Sannyasins in Hinduism are individuals who renounce worldly life and attachments in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, focusing on self-control, simplicity, and liberation from desires, often engaging in ascetic practices to achieve spiritual fulfillment.
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A practitioner or ascetic who renounces worldly attachments and desires in pursuit of spiritual goals.[1] (2) A practitioner who has renounced worldly attachments and seeks spiritual enlightenment, embodying the qualities discussed in the text.[2] (3) The individual who renounces worldly life to seek spiritual realization and is dedicated to understanding the true self.[3] (4) A person who has renounced worldly possessions and desires in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.[4] (5) A person who has formally renounced worldly attachments and is marked by the insignia of a staff and water-bowl.[5]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A person who has renounced worldly works to seek spiritual knowledge.[6] (2) A renunciant or ascetic individual who has dedicated their life to spiritual practice, often including the renunciation of worldly attachments.[7] (3) Individuals who have renounced worldly attachments to pursue spiritual enlightenment.[8] (4) A person who has renounced worldly desires and pleasures, focusing on attaining spiritual fulfillment and ultimate bliss, which is identified with Brahman.[9] (5) Renunciates or ascetics who have detached themselves from worldly activities and are focused on attaining self-realization and liberation.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Individuals who observe continence and have renounced worldly life, focusing instead on spiritual knowledge.[11] (2) A person who has renounced worldly life and rituals to pursue spiritual goals, often undergoing purificatory ceremonies.[12] (3) Individuals who have renounced worldly life and are dedicated to spiritual pursuits, not required to perform ritualistic acts.[13]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A renouncer or ascetic who has abandoned conventional pursuits for spiritual realization.[14] (2) A renunciant in Hindu tradition, who has given up worldly life seeking spiritual liberation, which causes conflict with ritualistic practitioners.[15] (3) An ascetic or renouncer who has abandoned worldly life for the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.[16]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Individuals who have renounced worldly life in pursuit of spiritual knowledge and may fall prey to distractions caused by Devas.[17]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Individuals who have renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual liberation.[18]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A renunciant who has given up worldly desires and duties to focus on spiritual liberation.[19]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Individuals who have renounced worldly life and possessions in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.[20]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Renunciates who possess three staffs, symbolizing their detachment and ascetic lifestyle.[21] (2) Individuals who have renounced worldly attachments in pursuit of spiritual goals, whose presence is significant in the context of Moksha Tirtha.[22] (3) A recluse who has renounced worldly life and is dedicated to spiritual pursuits.[23] (4) Ascetics within Hindu tradition, mentioned in relation to the topic of beggars and donations.[24] (5) A hermit or renunciant; their status affects the merit of gifts given.[25]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) An individual who has renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual liberation, characterized by self-control and simplicity.[26] (2) Individuals who renounce worldly life, often seen as misdirected and struggling within the context of the Kali age.[27] (3) A renunciant or ascetic devoted to spiritual pursuits, often reflecting a deep commitment to attaining liberation.[28] (4) A recluse or renunciant, someone who has left worldly life in pursuit of spiritual goals.[29]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A person who has renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual awakening and wisdom.[30] (2) A person who has renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual goals, achieving a high end through their practice.[31]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Ascetics who renounce worldly life but still engage with the world out of necessity and obligation.[32] (2) Individuals in the renounced order of life who also apply the Tripundra as part of their spiritual discipline.[33]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Individuals who have renounced their prescribed duties in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.[34]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Ascetics who renounce worldly life to pursue spiritual goals, practicing celibacy and austerities.[35]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A monk or ascetic who renounces worldly life in pursuit of spiritual truths, prominent in the discussion surrounding Nityananda's pilgrimage.[36] (2) Renounced individuals who are often treated as esteemed guests and are provided with hospitality by householders.[37] (3) A renunciant who has given up worldly attachments, exemplified by Viswarup's decision to leave home in pursuit of spiritual truth.[38]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Renunciants who have given up worldly life to focus entirely on spiritual goals, specifically the pursuit of Brahman.[39]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Individuals who have renounced worldly life and are barred from acquiring material possessions.[40]
From: Vakyapadiya (study of the concept of Sentence)
(1) A person who renounces worldly life to pursue spiritual goals, a role Bhartrihari reportedly adopted in his life.[41]
The concept of Sannyasin in local and regional sources
Sannyasin denotes an individual who has renounced worldly life, embodying deeper spiritual significance as discussed in Coomaraswamy's writings, emphasizing a transition towards spiritual enlightenment and detachment from material concerns.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A term indicating a person who has renounced the world; in Coomaraswamy's writings, it relates to deeper spiritual meanings.[42]