31-Mar-2010, 03:49 PM
The basic reason for Sanyasis to have double standards especially when it comes to celebacy has got to do with their role models.
Below are examples of a few such role models
1) Lord Siva
Dasanami sanyasis follow Lord Siva who is shown as a mendicant, sitting on a deer-skin in deep meditation on top of a snow-clad mountain. It is the same Lord Siva who burnt to ashes Kamadeva when the later tried to entice Siva to get attracted to the young and beautiful daugter of Himavan. On the other hand, the conjugal life of the same Lord Siva is described in such beautiful detail in Kalidasa's work, "Kumara Sambhavam".
It's all so confusing - which Siva should the dasanami Sanyasi follow? The guy who meditates on a mountain and gets angry at the mere thought of sex or the guy who has a great time?
2) Adi Sankara
Adi Sankara, who is credited with founding the Dasanami order was a celibate. During his short life time, he is reputed to have defeated many a vedic scholar. One such scholar was a lady named Saraswati. It is said that during a heated debate with her, the discussion veered towards conjugal life. Saraswati immediately challanged Sankara saying, "how can you say anything about conjugal life? You are a celibate, aren't you?". Sankara asked for and was granted a few days time to get the necessary qualification. Legand has it that Sankara's spirit left the body, travelled to Vanga Desha and entered into the body of the King who had died just then. Dwelling for a few days in the body of the King, Sankara's spirit aquired all the necessary experience to qualify him to debate on conjugal life. He then returned to his own body and went on to continue the debate.
Which Sankara should the dasanami sanyasi follow? The celebate? Or is conjugal experience necessary? Confusing, isn't it?
The followers argue that Sankara's own body maintained celebate purity while his mind gathered the necessary experience. This is even more confusing. Is "mental celebacy" not a necessity for a Sanyasi? So is it okey to watch X-rated videos?
3) Sri Krishna
The less said about Sri Krishna, the better. He is said to have had an innumerable number of wives but still maintained "purity". The follower who considers himself to be the lover of Sri Krishna is considered to be the highest / most evolved / most beloved devotee.
Male devotees who consider themselves the lovers of Sri Krishna indulge in cross-dressing, talking, walking and generally behaving in what they think is female mannerism. This is gender confusion - forget about male celebacy! Where will this trans-gender pretention lead the devotee to eventually?
Below are examples of a few such role models
1) Lord Siva
Dasanami sanyasis follow Lord Siva who is shown as a mendicant, sitting on a deer-skin in deep meditation on top of a snow-clad mountain. It is the same Lord Siva who burnt to ashes Kamadeva when the later tried to entice Siva to get attracted to the young and beautiful daugter of Himavan. On the other hand, the conjugal life of the same Lord Siva is described in such beautiful detail in Kalidasa's work, "Kumara Sambhavam".
It's all so confusing - which Siva should the dasanami Sanyasi follow? The guy who meditates on a mountain and gets angry at the mere thought of sex or the guy who has a great time?
2) Adi Sankara
Adi Sankara, who is credited with founding the Dasanami order was a celibate. During his short life time, he is reputed to have defeated many a vedic scholar. One such scholar was a lady named Saraswati. It is said that during a heated debate with her, the discussion veered towards conjugal life. Saraswati immediately challanged Sankara saying, "how can you say anything about conjugal life? You are a celibate, aren't you?". Sankara asked for and was granted a few days time to get the necessary qualification. Legand has it that Sankara's spirit left the body, travelled to Vanga Desha and entered into the body of the King who had died just then. Dwelling for a few days in the body of the King, Sankara's spirit aquired all the necessary experience to qualify him to debate on conjugal life. He then returned to his own body and went on to continue the debate.
Which Sankara should the dasanami sanyasi follow? The celebate? Or is conjugal experience necessary? Confusing, isn't it?
The followers argue that Sankara's own body maintained celebate purity while his mind gathered the necessary experience. This is even more confusing. Is "mental celebacy" not a necessity for a Sanyasi? So is it okey to watch X-rated videos?
3) Sri Krishna
The less said about Sri Krishna, the better. He is said to have had an innumerable number of wives but still maintained "purity". The follower who considers himself to be the lover of Sri Krishna is considered to be the highest / most evolved / most beloved devotee.
Male devotees who consider themselves the lovers of Sri Krishna indulge in cross-dressing, talking, walking and generally behaving in what they think is female mannerism. This is gender confusion - forget about male celebacy! Where will this trans-gender pretention lead the devotee to eventually?