Dispassion, renunciation of ego, love, devotion, and living faith—these are the signs of a true monk. No garb ever made a monk. For a householder to neglect his duty, for a brahmachari to give up his vows, for a monk to be restless with passions, these are hypocrisies. The gerua robe is the sign of renunciation; to one who is dispassionate it is merely an ornament. But if the mind runs after lust and gold and is made restless by the passions then the wearing of the robe becomes a farce. Color your mind and heart with the color of renunciation, dispassion, and devotion to God. Then only will you become a true monk.
The general may win the battle;
The king may subdue his kingdom;
But he who rules his own mind
Is the greatest of them all!
Let the strong wind of dispassion rise in your minds, that the trees of desire be uprooted. Then, even as birds fly from the shelter of trees before a strong wind, will the ignorance of selfishness, jealousy, hatred, and egoism take flight from your hearts. Then shall peace follow and fill your lives, even as calm follows the storm.
—Swami Premananda,
from Swami Premananda: Teachings and Reminiscences, p. 74.
