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True Sannyasa Is Becoming An Immortal Flower

Be a flower that doesn't dry up, that doesn't get crushed underfoot. There are so many flowers in the world that get crushed. Only a few people have become immortal flowers, accepted by the world and by God.

The way to become an immortal flower is to follow these three principles in life – control over speech, mind and ego.


Control over speech – No nonsense, no unnecessary talk, no unnecessary gossip, no harsh words.

Control over mind – Decide what your aim is in life and be true to that aim. Be like an arrow which flies straight towards the bull's eye.

Control over ego – In the gross sense ego is ambition, in the subtle sense ego is arrogance, and in the causal sense ego is I-identity, me and mine.

Immortal flowers in the modern age whose fragrance has permeated everywhere are Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda, Ramana Maharshi, Baba Nityananda and Swami Sivananda. So try to be like an immortal flower, not like the ones which die after a few hours of life. That is sannyasa.

(Source: Excerpts from an article written by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati in May 1963 edition of Yoga Magazine.)