Question: I am interested to become a Monk. Currently I live in USA.
In the following link “Become a Monk” http://www.ramakrishnamath.com/join.asp
It is mentioned that one has to be less than 30. Why so? According to Vedanta “Thatwa Masi” which means you are already that, which means you are already GOD. GOD has no age limit then why do you have age limit in becoming a Monk?
Is it like joining in Military where there is an age limit? Or is it about eligibility to become an IAS officer? Or eligibility for a government job?
Also it is mentioned that one should have obedience to seniors. But if the senior is mistaken then how can you be obedient to him?
Answer: To become a monk there is no age limit. But from the point of view of this organization, for its proper functioning, age limit is necessary.
A person takes to monastic life to perform spiritual practice. What can he achieve it he is old and sick? The body is the primary instrument in any endeavor. Swami Vivekananda has prescribed Karma Yoga as part of the Sadhana to realize God. The organization is the immanent aspect of “tat”.
The monks, who join the Mission at less than 30 years, work with amity and efficiency. The young monk possesses infinite capacity to work. Thus gaining experience through work they will be holding responsible posts in future. Will not the work be run much better, (which the old and aged cannot do) by young men of character – trustworthy and with executive capacity? They have thinking capacity and ability to face the challenges. Why the govt. has fixed retirement age at 58? Our age limit is much more meaningful than, military or IAS. Young men having lot of energy have much capacity to serve the country and suffering people in a better way than the old people.
Read another Vedantic Upanishad (Taittiriya Upanishad) which speaks about and believing young men. As a rule the young are optimistic, and the old are pessimistic. Young have life before them. The old complain that their day is gone. Therefore Swami Vivekananda believed in young and energetic.
You are quoting the scriptural dictum in an improper place. Organization needs such rules. Rules are framed by Swami Vivekananda.
In an organization obedience to seniors is a must. If the senior does any mistake, the junior is permitted to point out the mistake in a humble way without any bitterness.
Even Buddha has told:
Dharmam Saranam Gacchami
Sangam Saranam Gacchami
and Buddham Saranam Gacchami.