Renunciate

In the view of Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar the two lifestyles, householder and renunciate, are equally dignified. Neither is inherently more elevated spiritually; rather, spiritual elevation depends entirely upon sincerity of spiritual practice. However, Sarkar notes that the lifestyle of the householder is somewhat more difficult than the lifestyle of the renunciate. Renunciates are obliged to serve only one family, the universal family. Householders, on the other hand, must balance the obligation of service to their small family with the obligation of service to their larger (universal) family.

Ananda Marga renunciates

Ananda Marga renunciates are whole-time missionary workers, typically acaryas. Junior renunciates are known as brahmacariis and brahmacariniis for males and females respectively. Senior renunciates are known as avadhutas and avadhutikas for males and females respectively. The junior renunciates are considered to be avadhuta/avadhutika trainees and, as such, are expected to follow all of the avadhuta/avadhutika conduct rules very strictly.

After a training period of not less than a year, junior renunciates are evaluated as to whether they are fit for becoming avadhuta/avadhutika. If deemed fit, the brahmacarii/brahmacarinii receives initiation into kapalika sadhana. Thereafter, s/he takes the oath of avadhuta/avadhutika and is given a new name. For avadhutas, the new name ends with ananda. For avadhutikas, the new name begins with ananda.

Uniform of Ananda Marga renunciates

These ácáryas are full-time workers and fully ordained ministers. The juniors, known as brahmachariis and brahmacariniis for male and female respectively, are dressed up in a saffron-coloured top and a white bottom, while the seniors, known as avadhutas and avadhutikas, are dressed in full saffron attire.

History of Ananda Marga renunciates

Sarkar founded his order of renunciates in 1962. Prior to that time, all of the acaryas of Ananda Marga were deemed to be householders (or potential householders). Since 1962, Ananda Marga has had and continues to create both householder and renunciate acaryas.

From 1962 until his death in 1990, Sarkar personally imparted all initiations of men into kapalika sadhana, required for becoming avadhuta. (Initiation of women into kapalika sadhana was carrried out the Central Women's Welfare Secretary, Avadhutika Ananda Bharati, or her representative.) After 1990, the duty of initiation into kapalika sadhana has been assumed by the Avadhuta Board and is carried out under the board's direction.