Sanyasa

Table of contents

1 Pronounciation 2 Word Root 2.1 Usage

Pronounciation

• 'San' pronounced like 'Sun'
• 'ya' as the 'ia' in 'hiatus'
• 'sa' as in 'saw'

Word Root

This is a Sanskrit word. The word "Nyasa" means path. "San" is a prefix that denotes integration. The word sanyasa symbolises the life of a person which is now integrated with the spiritual path, after wholly giving up material life. The person following Sanyasa is called a Sanyasi.

Usage

This word is generally used to denote a particular phase of life. In this phase of life, the person develops Vairagya or a state of determination and disillusionment with material life. He thus, renunciates all worldly thoughts and desires, and spends the rest of his life in spiritual contemplation. It is the last in the four phases of a man, namely, Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha , and finally Sanyasa, as prescribed by Manusmriti for the Dhwija castes, in the Hindu system of life.