Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.18.17
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyReal Renunciation Requires Inner Discipline
“One who has not accepted the three internal disciplines of avoiding useless speech, avoiding useless activities and controlling the life air can never be considered a sannyāsī merely because of his carrying bamboo rods.”
What the purport teaches
- The three rods of a Vaiṣṇava sannyāsī's staff signify dedication of body, mind and words to the Supreme Lord. These disciplines must first be accepted within oneself.
- Regulating the life air is meant to control the mind. One who always thinks of service to Lord Kṛṣṇa has achieved the perfection of prāṇāyāma.
- Carrying a staff or displaying saintly dress cannot replace bodily, mental and vocal discipline. Taking sannyāsa for prestige without actual advancement in kṛṣṇa-kīrtana leaves one vulnerable to the Lord's external energy.
Try this today
Replace one moment of useless speech today with words about serving Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Where do I give more attention to appearing spiritual than to practicing inner discipline?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.