SANYAAS (Sanniyas)
Sanyaas is a Sanskrit word, which means: non-attachment, spirit of indifference towards worldly desires and affairs, asceticism, monasticism, renunciation.
In Hindu system, it is the fourth ‘aashram’ (stage of life) of a human being. According to Hinduism, a man (not woman), after fulfilling his duties as householder, should renounce the world and depend upon alms and begging. Some Hindus adopt Saniyaas at an early stage and some even don’t marry at all (it is better to call it Brahamcharya i.e. celibacy). In all these situations there is renunciation of the world.
Sikhism rejects renunciation of the world. For a Sikh, renunciation of ego, conceit, untruthful life, dishonesty, anger and the other vices, is the real Sanyaas. A Sikh has to become a Sanyaasi at heart.
The followers of the six different life-styles and world-views, the Yogis and the Saniyaase have gone astray in doubt without the Guru.
(Guru Granth Sahib, p.67)
When you abandon hope and desire,
then you become a true Sannyaasi.
When the Yogi practices abstinence,
then he enjoys his body. (Guru Granth Sahib, p.356)
The wandering beggars, warriors, celibates and Sanniyaasee ascetics — consider this through the Perfect Guru:
without selfless service, no one ever receives the fruits of his rewards. Serving God is the most excellent action. (Guru Granth Sahib, p.992)
He alone is a Sanniyaasi, who serves the True Guru, and removes his self-conceit from within.
He does not ask for clothes or food; without asking, he accepts whatever he receives.
He does not speak empty words; he gathers in the wealth of tolerance, and burns away his anger with the Naam.
Blessed is such a householder, Sanniyaasi and yogi, who focuses his consciousness on the feet of God. (Guru Granth Sahib, p.1013)
Sanniyasi class is found in other religions also, e.g. in Buddhism and Jainism there are Bhikshus; among Christians there are monks and nuns.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)