Self-Renunciation, rightly understood, stands as the bedrock of true spirituality. In this context, we have to remember that there are two senses of self that we have to keep in mind in our pursuit of spiritual life. The basic and true sense of self emanates from the fact that we are created by God in His own image and likeness (Gen. 1: 26). This self is the one we have to nurture and develop in order to grow into the true status of our nature in harmony with the plan of God for humanity. In opposition to this, the accrued and false sense of self emanates from our 'Ego' resulting from our selfish and greedy interaction in the affairs of the world imagining to live happily in this world. It is this false sense of self that we have to combat and renounce in self-renunciation.
Jesus said to Nicodemus that what is born of the flesh is flesh and of the spirit is spirit (Jn.3:6). Again, what gives life is the soul and body is of no use (Jn.6:63). As we live in the world, we have to use our body and the five senses, which are the windows to the world, in order to survive in life. The constant pull of the senses on our mind and the mind on our intellect and will-power luring our soul into the attractions of the world weaken the internal freedom and strength of the soul. Self-Renunciation is the antidote we must employ to control our senses, mind etc. in order regain the proper balance between our soul and body. Without denying the legitimate needs of the senses and our body, a realignment of our powers is achieved through self-renunciation. For this, listening to the word of God, understanding it and putting it into practice is absolutely essential. We try to align ourselves with the ways of God in order to transform our human nature into the divine one according to the image of God planted in us.
Jesus said to Nicodemus that what is born of the flesh is flesh and of the spirit is spirit (Jn.3:6). Again, what gives life is the soul and body is of no use (Jn.6:63). As we live in the world, we have to use our body and the five senses, which are the windows to the world, in order to survive in life. The constant pull of the senses on our mind and the mind on our intellect and will-power luring our soul into the attractions of the world weaken the internal freedom and strength of the soul. Self-Renunciation is the antidote we must employ to control our senses, mind etc. in order regain the proper balance between our soul and body. Without denying the legitimate needs of the senses and our body, a realignment of our powers is achieved through self-renunciation. For this, listening to the word of God, understanding it and putting it into practice is absolutely essential. We try to align ourselves with the ways of God in order to transform our human nature into the divine one according to the image of God planted in us.
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