Path of Renunciation: Sanyas

Uria Baba: "It is not necessary for all human beings to renounce the world, for the path of renunciation is very difficult to tread. Actually it is not necessary to renounce the objects of the world, because a human being does not actually own or possess anything. Therefore it is not necessary to renounce anything—but the sense of possessiveness should be renounced. 

“Whether you live in the world or outside, it does not make much difference. Attachment to the objects of the world is the cause of misery. One who practices non-attachment faithfully and sincerely obtains freedom from the bondage of karma. In the path of action, duties are not renounced, but are performed skillfully and selflessly. The renunciate renounces the objects and goes far away from them, but he also performs his essential duties. Those who live in the world as householders also perform their essential duties. Those who become selfish by receiving and using the fruits of their actions create many encumbrances for themselves. It becomes difficult for them to get freedom from this self-created  bondage.

"If all attachments and sense of ownership are not renounced, the path of renunciation becomes  miserable. If the householders do not practice non-attachment and continue to strengthen selfishness and possessiveness, it also creates misery for them. “To attain the purpose of life, it is necessary to do one’s duties, whether one lives in the world or outside it. The path of renunciation and the path of action, though two diverse ways, are equally helpful for attaining self-emancipation. One is the path of sacrifice, the other the path of conquest.”  

[Uria Baba, a contemporary of Swami Rama, was very famous for his learning and spiritual wisdom. He lived in Vrindavan. Swami Rama's master sent him to live with this sage. He was about sixty-five years of age when Swami Rama met him].

Source: pgs. 226-227, Living with the Himalayan Masters