167. Can I take Sannyas when I have my wife and young children ? Is it not a sin to avoid these dependents when they are in a helpless condition?

If you have intense and real Vairagya born of Titiksha and Viveka and if you have strong Mumukshutva, you can take Sannyas. The Srutis declare: "Renounce the world on the very day you get Vairagya". If you have Moha for your wife and children, you cannot get any spiritual progress, as your mind will be always thinking of them. Therefore, destroy Moha first. Possess real Vairagya.

When you are in the world, do a lot of Japa and meditation. When you advance a bit, go to a far-off place, live in seclusion, see the strength of your mind and see if you still have any Moha lurking in your mind. Then you can take Sannyas. You will get success.

Before you renounce, see that your wife and children are well-provided. Otherwise, they will constantly be thinking of you and you will be drawn by their mental currents. When you live with your wife, teach her the importance of Sannyas and ask her to do Japa and meditation. She must lead a spiritual life. Then only she will not interfere with you after your Sannyas.

Bhartrihari, Gauranga, Sadasiva Brahman and others deserted their wives. After their Sannyasa, they did not think of their wives. Did they not attain Self-realization? Did any sin or curse touch them? Even if you do not provide for your family well, you can take Sannyas if you have real Vairagya. Just isolate yourself from your family and see whether your children are looked after or not. Ram Tirth left his wife with two young children without providing anything. But his elder son became an engineer and the other a professor. Have perfect faith in God.

168. The mind is fickle in me and the flesh is weak. Attempts at concentration are sometimes successful, but often end in disappointment. Kindly help me.

First of all, take care of your health. Become strong by proper food and mild exercises of Asan and Pranayam. Observe Brahmacharya. Then destroy desires, worries, anxieties, building castles and vicious qualities. Lead a contented life. Reduce your Vyavahara. Live in a spiritual atmosphere like in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, etc. Observe Mouna for full three months. You can easily control the mind.

169. I feel a burning sensation in my eyes and my mind is restless; and so I am unable to meditate. Is there any effective remedy?

It is a sign to show that your system is heated. Apply Amalaka oil or butter to the head for fifteen minutes in the early morning and then take a bath. Take Sattvic food. Whenever you feel thirsty, drink a cup of Misri Sharbat (water in which sugar-candy is dissolved). Take a cup of pure cow's milk in the early morning and at night before going to bed. Regulate your food. Take bath twice a day. That will cool the system.

170. Whenever I try to concentrate on the Trikuti, I get a slight headache. Is there any remedy?

If concentration at the Trikuti produces headache, have Nasikagra Drishti, gazing at the tip of the nose. This will relieve you. Do not struggle with your mind. Take rest for half an hour. If you still feel the headache, close your eyes and then meditate.