We are living in a fast-paced world, where constant distractions pull our attention outward, and the idea of renunciation may seem outdated or even impractical. Yet, if we look closely, renunciation is not about giving up life but about embracing it with clarity and depth.
Renunciation is not simply about leaving behind possessions, but about transcending worldly ties to dedicate one’s entire being to the pursuit of truth, meditation and spirituality. It is the courageous step of turning away from fleeting attachments and offering one’s life to the eternal.
This path is not for all, as it requires discipline, surrender, and the guidance of a realised Master. Yet, those who take it become living examples of what it means to rise above worldly desires and live solely for the Divine.
The Timeless Role of a Guru
As seekers turn inward, a natural question arises: how does one choose a Guru? A true Guru is not simply a teacher but a guiding light who dispels ignorance and awakens the soul to its highest potential. In the same way that a traveller depends on a compass, a seeker depends on the Guru to navigate the path of truth.
Choosing a Guru is not about charisma, popularity, or intellectual brilliance. It is about resonance. When in the presence of a true Master, one feels an unmistakable inner calling, peace deepens, doubts fade, and the heart opens. The Guru is someone who has walked the path, experienced the truth, and now leads others with compassion and wisdom.
In the spiritual tradition, surrendering to a Guru is not about losing one’s individuality, but about aligning oneself with a higher consciousness. The Guru does not ask for blind faith but inspires inquiry, practice, and transformation.
Renunciation in Today’s World
So what does renunciation look like in the modern world? For many, it means balancing worldly responsibilities with spiritual growth. For others, it may take the form of dedicating time daily to introspection, prayer, and service. But for a rare few, renunciation becomes a total offering of one’s life to the Divine, a path of lifelong devotion and discipline.
This is where the journey of Atmarpits begins.
Who is an Atmarpit?
Like the flame of a lamp always pointing upward, striving for union with the sun, an Atmarpit is unwaveringly focused on attaining union with the Divine. An Atmarpit is an unmarried devotee who has taken a vow of lifelong celibacy, dedicating their entire being to sadhana (spiritual practice) and seva (selfless service).
Guided by Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, the Atmarpits embody what it means to live in renunciation today. Their lives are a reminder that spirituality is not about renouncing joy but about renouncing bondage and rediscovering eternal bliss.
Atmarpit Diksha: A Sacred Step
Atmarpit Diksha is the sacred ceremony that marks this lifelong commitment. Held on the 26th of September every year, on the auspicious birthday of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, the ceremony celebrates the aspirant’s inner transformation. It symbolises a new way of living, one where the bond with the eternal is strengthened, and ties with the temporary are gracefully loosened.
For those present, Atmarpit Diksha is not just a ritual but an experience of witnessing the courage, purity, and surrender of a soul ready to dedicate itself fully to the spiritual path.
The Life of an Atmarpit
In the folds of the Master, Atmarpits dedicate their existence to spiritual pursuit, selfless service, and unwavering devotion to the Guru. Currently, 115 Atmarpits serve across various departments of the Mission, including the administration of Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Dharampur.
Their role is not limited to personal growth. They actively support the community, guide seekers, and ensure the seamless functioning of the Ashram’s many initiatives. In this way, they are both practitioners of renunciation and facilitators of service.
The Atmarpits have embraced the fourth paushad pratima, a preparatory stage in the journey to monkhood, from among the eleven pratimas of shravaks (lay worshippers). This disciplined practice signifies their steady progress toward complete renunciation.
Why Atmarpits Inspire Us?
In a world where success is often measured by wealth or status, Atmarpits stand as living examples of another kind of success, the victory over desires, attachments, and self-centeredness. They remind us that true fulfilment comes not from accumulation but from surrender, service, and union with the Divine.
For seekers, the Atmarpits are not distant figures but inspiring role models who show that renunciation is possible even in today’s age. They are living proof that meditation and spirituality can form the very foundation of life.
Atmarpits: Living Symbols of True Renunciation
Renunciation today is less about leaving the world behind and more about living in it with awareness, detachment, and love. With the guidance of a true Guru, the path becomes clear, and for those called to it, Atmarpit Diksha opens the doorway to a higher life.
The Atmarpits of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur are a living bridge between the eternal teachings of renunciation and the practical needs of the modern world. Their life of celibacy, seva, and sadhana at Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Dharampur inspires seekers worldwide.
