Ma's Vows of Renunciation

Alakananda Ma’s Vows of Renunciation

 Major Vows

Sannyasa: Renunciation and Holy Poverty

 I vow to walk in the way of Lady Poverty, owning neither money, property nor possessions. Any items made available for my use, even up to the clothes I wear, shall be the property of Alandi Ashram and I shall not regard any item as my own.

Bramacharya: Celibacy 

I vow to observe absolute brahmacharya in thought, word and deed, through the guru’s grace, and to hold my mind in the undistracted and one-pointed condition. Regarding all beings as a mother does her children, I shall relate to each with uncontrived intimacy.

Varivasya: Obedience

I vow to obey the true nature of things and to be attentive and obedient to the words of the Sadguru speaking in my heart.   I offer all actions in prayer to the will and grace of the Sadguru.

Mahamaitri:  The Great Loving-kindness

I vow to regard all beings as my nearest and dearest friends and relatives. As a mother strives for the welfare of her children, I dedicate myself to bring about the happiness of all beings.

Mahakaruna: The Great Compassion

Experiencing the pain of all beings as if a part of my own body were in pain, I dedicate myself to free all beings from suffering.

Mudita: Joy

Seeing all experiences as the gift of the Sadguru, I vow to rejoice in all circumstances without making distinctions of good or bad. As a mother rejoices in her child I rejoice in the happiness of all beings.

 Upeksha: Equanimity

I vow to remain sthitha (established in the Self) in all circumstances, seeing everything that arises with even-mindedness and One Taste.  Fully contented in the Self I see all beings in the Self and the Self in all beings.

Mahatyaga: The Great Generosity

I place my life, without reservation, at the disposal of all beings, relinquishing any claim to ‘private time’ or a ‘personal life.’ When anyone thinks of me or needs my presence or support, I vow, through the grace of the Sadguru, to be present to them, whether in physical or in subtle form.

Paramshanti: Supreme peace

I vow to remain free from wishing or hoping for outcomes. Not fearing the future, not regretting the past, not resisting the present, I abide in peace beyond the three times, as a child of the moment.

Abhaya: The proclamation of Fearlesness

Now I fear no-one and let none fear me!

Minor Vows or Observances

To sleep on the ground

To wear and utilize white or ochre cloth

Not cutting the hair

To avoid saying ‘my’ or ‘mine.