Help
Sign In
QaR
September 2009 
Two Different Spiritual Paths
Posted on Feb 11th, 2009
by 
Eli
Eli
Hinduism offers two major spiritual paths, one for householders and the other for monks. They are called Pravritti Marga, the Way of the World, and Nivritti Marga, the Path of Return. The path for householders (Pravrittas) is Pravritti Marga while the path of monks (Nivrittas) is called the Nivritti Marga.
The Pravrittas, or people of the household life, were not regarded as inferior to the Nivrittas. They have their purpose and function to fulfil. Although the householders bow to the feet of monks, the Hindu Dharma recognized that both had an important part to play. A man was not regarded as inferior just because he could not renounce his worldly life (In fact, many of the spiritually-illumined sages during ancient times such as King Janaka and Ashvapati were family men). Instead, a practical outlook required him to give sufficient attention to religious life -- no matter how dual it might be -- and to enjoy life to the full.
Hinduism has always maintained that that there are four legitimate aims in life, for which the householder should strive. Collectively they are called the Purusarthas. They consist of
He who finds the balance and harmony between these four is one who finds the real rhythm of life.
Chapter 8 of "Mahanirvana Tantra" describes the Pravritti Marga (duties of the householder) in detail.
The path of for all-renouncing monks, Nivritti Marga, is quite different from that of the householders. A monk, avowed to celibacy, should be physically and mentally pure. He should view every woman as his own mother. He should lead a life of simplicity, spend most of his time in the contemplation of God, and study the scriptures. He should not own any home, wealth or property. He should live in a hut, a temple, or under a tree. He should be truthful and full of compassion for all beings. He should be totally indifferent to blame, praise, pleasure or pain. His only goal in life should be the realization of God.
The Pravrittas, or people of the household life, were not regarded as inferior to the Nivrittas. They have their purpose and function to fulfil. Although the householders bow to the feet of monks, the Hindu Dharma recognized that both had an important part to play. A man was not regarded as inferior just because he could not renounce his worldly life (In fact, many of the spiritually-illumined sages during ancient times such as King Janaka and Ashvapati were family men). Instead, a practical outlook required him to give sufficient attention to religious life -- no matter how dual it might be -- and to enjoy life to the full.
Hinduism has always maintained that that there are four legitimate aims in life, for which the householder should strive. Collectively they are called the Purusarthas. They consist of
- Dharma (Righteousness and Duty)
- Artha (Pursuit of Wealth and Property)
- Kama (Sensual desires) and
- Moksha (Liberation).
He who finds the balance and harmony between these four is one who finds the real rhythm of life.
Chapter 8 of "Mahanirvana Tantra" describes the Pravritti Marga (duties of the householder) in detail.
The path of for all-renouncing monks, Nivritti Marga, is quite different from that of the householders. A monk, avowed to celibacy, should be physically and mentally pure. He should view every woman as his own mother. He should lead a life of simplicity, spend most of his time in the contemplation of God, and study the scriptures. He should not own any home, wealth or property. He should live in a hut, a temple, or under a tree. He should be truthful and full of compassion for all beings. He should be totally indifferent to blame, praise, pleasure or pain. His only goal in life should be the realization of God.
Access: Public
I really like that appreciation for the different paths of life. If everyone were celibate, that would be the end of humanity. If we didn’t have the energy of those devoted completely to living for God, there would be a terrible spiritual imbalance. We all need each other very much.
Yes Nicole, and the ancient wise men understood this very much.
I am planning another blog on “Duties of Huoseholders” as outlined in Mahanirvana Tantra” too, my health permitting :)
Thanks for being yourself Nicole, your warm footprints are nost humbly appreciated.
Amcient Maharishis lived with their family and practised their path of wisdom.
Great Sage Vashista, His son (Panku Muni), and grandson Vyasa too had their own families. Sage agasthya and several others lived in their Parna salaa with their family. You get more details from Vedas too. At a certain age, all the elders went to the forest and built their own houses and settled there to proceed on their path of wisdom. Read thirukkural andits author lived a family life and escribed as to how to live a proper family life in his famous works. See the chapters in the thread for the Thirukkural, here.
Thank you Sanmugan for visiting and adding valuable comments. Here is the cross-link to the conversation thread mentioned by you in your comment, which belongs to your pod
http://groups.gaia.com/ancients_wisdom/conversations/view/193154#193154
( I add this for all those who would like to follow it to the wonderful conversation in Sanmugan’s pod)
This was something important for me to read at this moment, teacher. Although I have not read the Hindu scripture, I often struggle with understanding what my purpose here is. Whether I am to renounce my life or live it to the full. Surrounded by so many different paths and wanting to give equal consideration to them all, I found myself very mixed up with what I was supposed to do here on this planet.
“Am I an alien whose spirit incarnated here?” “Am I a child of the one true God?” “Am I a piece of God-energy in a world without a plan?” It seemed that everyone has a different idea about life, God and here I was pinballing back and forth trying to find my niche.
In seeking God, his word and Myself, I found that I am far, far, far weaker than I ever thought and it is important to know that a worldly life is no less than a spiritual one… My spiritual path has taught me a lot of humility and I don’t think I really realized how much doubt I had in God’s presence and power until I tried to purify my life…
I feel that God and I have a lot of catching up to do though… and I look forward to it.
As always, I will do the best I can do.
Thank you Eli,
Kyle
I am glad this post helped you dear Kyle.
I look forward to that blog, and hope your health will continue to improve. Hugs!
Dear Kyle, I just happened to go through your writings here. I like to comment on some of them. What is thr purpose of our life in this earth. We purposely born in this world to learn more.Take the life as it is and leave everything to concern of the supreme. supreme will guide us in our life. this is my experience. Do not worry about anything. Thjere are sp many paths leading to the supreme. It is alright, even Bhagavad Gita describes of different paths. We can select one or let the supreme do on its own. It is good to respect all paths as same as every thing depends on the individual. You need not do anything at all. Everythng will be given even without any request. All our duty is to help others. All the spirits are same. Find yourself with the universe. It is also same. It is called ‘Visva rupa darsan’ , meaning to view the universe as your self. All the living beings are the children of the same god. Yes, you are that: God or energy or whatever name you apply. Different idea comes because of theknowledge acquired by reading, viewing and experiencing and the circumstances of the individual concerned. First you must stop your negative thoughts and start Positive thoughts. The angel on top of you will grant it immediately. Worldly life is also fully spiritual and it all depends on your approach. God is there inside you. Only thing you have to believe it.