ABSTRACT

This chapter presents a direct and pragmatic approach to spiritual life, and a clear guide to Hinduism. It answers three questions related to spritual life. The questions are Should not a spiritual teacher manifestly demonstrate that he has, for the love of God, given up everything—should he not live with only the barest necessities; austerity then, Should we not practise austerity; and Should not the life of a spiritual man be confined to communion with God and instruction of seekers, so that the most casual worldling can have no doubt of his sincerity, Should not his only comfort be unmistakably in one thing—exclusive communion with God. Renunciation is the giving up of everything. The rich must give up his riches, and the poor must give up his poverty. If by observing certain forms of living, or by undergoing some physical discomfort, one could gain self-control, religious life would be very easy.