Question

How is it that a Swami is practicing external rituals?

Answer

Stephen Parker (Stoma) has answered this question.

Stephen Parker (Stoma)

A Swami is free. S/he is under no obligation either to perform or not to perform rituals. The point is whether one is attached to their action. A Swami, if a true renunciate, has surrendered all attachments into the fire of knowledge. If it serves his spiritual growth or his mission to serve others s/he may perform rituals. Śankara conducted his mother’s funeral to the horror of many other sannyasis because he had made that promise to her and he was her only son. She had also given her consent for his renunciation at the age of eight.

If one performs something by rule it is a failure of discipline. (SVB) If you can’t break a rule for a good reason and feel no guilt about having done it, then you have no discipline.

Editor’s Note

If you have any questions about your spiritual practice, you may write to the AHYMSIN Spiritual Committee at adhyatmasamiti@gmail.com.