The Nature and Purpose of Renunciation

Abstract In examining the contents of the Saqmyasa UpaniĀsads, the first, and possibly the most significant, issue I want to explore is the Brahmalnical self-understanding of the meaning and nature of renunciation. What is the purpose of renunciation? What theological definition of a renouncer’s status does the Brahmalnical tradition provide? How does that definition affect other significant elements of the Brahmanical religious world? The Sarµnyasa UpaniĀsads do not deal with these issues explicitly. A well-developed theology of renunciation, however, underlies their discussions of such central issues as the rite of renunciation and the rules governing a renouncer’s life. It is this theology that I want to explore in this section, drawing on information provided by these and other Brahmanical texts.