A Sannyasi is one who have given up material life and integrated into the spiritual world. What kind of Sannyasi my brother is going to become I do not know, but my pain of him leaving my home will remain for the rest of my life or until he changes his mind and make a comeback.
During the time he contemplated leaving home, I often felt overwhelmed by sadness but at the same time have been frustrated due to my inability to stop him. I did all I can; talked to him, requested him, ordered to him, and reasoned with him with all my debating skills. As an elder brother I could not plead with him like how my mother did, crying. I gradually involved other family, friends, and etc because we did not want such a delicate matter which can affect his future flashed around if it could be avoided.
Whatever, I, my mother, sisters, other elatives, and friends said, did not stop him. he was determined to leave and his mind was all made up.
Our father succumbed to cancer when I was abroad. His death saddened me deeply but knowing the severity of the disease that afflicted him, I have been fearing the end of his audacious life, sooner or later. However this was something completely different. Here was my energetic younger brother, writing reports for a leading English daily on a regular basis, sending me e-mails to Dubai often, one who was loved by all, suddenly preparing to vanish from among us never to return to our way of life in a rather strange pursuit. It unsettled every inch of me and continues to do so until this day.
Swamijis, during our arguments, presented examples of Sankaracharya, Vivekananda, and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. They are of-course great souls and every devout Hindus and other Indians think of them highly. But how many such great souls do we have? How many Vivekanandans do we know? What makes Swamijis think that my brother would become one? There is a chance of one in a million. Like winning a lottery. He has an excellent character, not because he is my brother, but even others who know him would endorse that view. But I do not understand that how they can compare my brother with such great souls?
On the other hand, who would compensate us and him if he suffers from or regrets his decision to abandon material life?
