How to Combine Pleasure and Renunciation
The Isaavaasyopanishad [Hindu scriptures] declares that whatever bhoga (pleasure) one wants to enjoy, he should do so in a spirit of renunciation. In daily life, enjoyment and renunciation do not go together. The tyagi (renunciant) is not interested in enjoyment of sensual pleasures. The bhogi (the pleasure-seeker) will not think of renunciation. In such a situation, how is it possible to combine enjoyment of pleasures with renunciation or sacrifice? It is in this context that the Isaavaasyopanishad has declared that when every action is free from the sense of ahamkara (egoistic doership) and all enjoyment is free from attachment or desire, there will be no difference between enjoyment and renunciation. Hence any enjoyment associated with the ego and with attachment will be enjoyment without sacrifice. When ego and attachment are absent, the actions are free from self-interest and hence are tantamount to acts of sacrifice.
How then, can man experience the enjoyment associated with sacrifice? Such selfishness converts bhoga (enjoyment) into a roga (malady). Man should aim at becoming a yogi and not a bhogi. What really constitutes pleasure? Is it eating, drinking, and indulging in sensual enjoyment? For protecting the body, food is doubtlessly necessary. Raiment is needed for protection against cold. But beyond these basic needs; to pamper the body is futile as it is essentially composed of decaying elements. Instead of pampering the body, man should use it in the service of the Lord.
You must understand that when you limit your desires, keep the welfare of society in view, and seek to discharge your duties, you will be realizing the objective of combining enjoyment with sacrifice. In fact, the bliss that is derived when one renders service to others is beyond measure. It is by such sacrifice that real joy is experienced. When anything is done in expectation of a return, such joy cannot be got.
Sacrifice has also been declared to be the only means of achieving immortality. Giving up what is taken in is a law of life. It applies to breathing, food, and other things. Likewise, the wealth that one acquires should also be given back to society. Wealth includes not only riches, but every other form of acquisition including knowledge, scholarship, and skills of various kinds. The knowledge you have acquired through education should be imparted to others. It is by such sharing that your education gets enriched and purposeful. If you do not impart the knowledge you possess, it becomes useless. This means that the more you give, the more you grow.
Source: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XXIV, pages 106, 109, 110, 111
