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Vairaagya

(1) Lack of interest. 
(2) Detachment from worldly things, enjoyments and pleasures. This term denotes renunciation of worldly pleasures and the sources of sense pleasures. One group of philosophers, Shankar being an important member of this group, strongly advocates for this renunciation as a prerequisite for reaching God. Others want A-Parigraha (non-possession) for those who claim themselves as ascetics and have already forsaken the family life. This element is found in both Jain Nad Buddhism also. This is so much spread that common Hindoo people have come to believe that this is the main preaching of Hindoo Dharm. In fact Ved never preach Vairaagya. Even the Upanishad and Bhagvad-Geetaa also do not preach it. Raamaayan and Mahaabhaarat do not preach it. The Dharmshaastra do not preach it. Thus the whole body of Hindoo scriptures does not preach Vairaagya.

Vairaagya should not be confused with Sanyaas. They are not the same. A Sanyaasee does not cease to be interested in the world; instead of spending time on earning the needs of his family, he spends all of his time serving the community. Another word that some foreigners confuse with, is Tapas (Tap). Tap is essentially any worthwhile project, whether worldly or spiritual, which requires an extra effort to complete. It involves hard work and may cause physical suffering. Tap is taken in order to achieve a goal and is in direct opposition to the principle of Vairaagya.

Many Pauraanik stories of good and bad people who have done Tap for gaining power over men or gods, should not be given creditability, as most of the Pauraanik material is not scriptural.

Vairaagya Shatak

100 verses by Bhartrahari on the subject of renunciation.

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