Renunciation-detachment, mendicancy. (Glossary for the Vahinis)

Sannyasa or Monkhood does not mean the mere acceptance of the fourth stage of life and its rights and obligations, retirement into forests after breaking off contact with the world and leading the austere life of ascetics. The Sanyasai must move among people, become aware of their sorrows and joys and impart the instruction and inspiration they direly need. This is the duty of monks should fulfil.

The Sannyasi can be likened to a species of fish. The fish moves around in the depth of the lake; it will not be stationary at one spot. And while moving around, the fish eats up worms and the eggs of pests, thus cleansing the water. So too, the Sannyasi should always be on the move, journeying into the far corners of the land. His duty is to cleanse the society of evil by his example and precept. He must transform it by his teachings into a society free from vice and wickedness. (V Vahini, pp.50-51)

The Sannyasa, which involves the destruction of the three urges (for a mate, for progeny and for wealth) is very difficult to attain without purity of citta, or mind. (UV, p. 9)

The real Sannyasi is he who does not desire one thing or hate another. The word, Sannyasa, can well be applied to work done without caring for success or failure, profit or loss, honour or dishonour; to any activity engaged in as an offering to the Lord.

(P.Vah, p. 57)

In ‘Karma Sannyasa Yoga’, we have three words, ‘Karma’, ‘Sannyasa’, and ‘Yoga’, ‘Karma’ means action; ‘Sannyasa’ means renunciation of worldly taints (Vasanas) and desires, and rising above attachment and hatred; and Yoga means union with the Divine. (ML - P - 299)