Question: sir, I am currently pursuing my M.B.A. (first semester) and my age is 23. Though currently stationed at Lucknow but originally a resident of Calcutta. From many monks of the order I have come to know that the maximum age for joining the math is 25, is it true?
Is it really true that anyone who wishes to be a monk can simply be inculcated in the order without any prior check of attitude and values, since monasticism demands a lot of involvement and dedication. It may also be possible that a person may join the order without finding a descent job or to avoid job frustration or to avoid duties towards family life- how do you differentiate between a genuine cause and a fake one?
In order to join do I need to have a prior knowledge of Sanskrit (I am a novice in the subject) or do I have to give a kind of written or oral examination?
At last please give me detailed list of qualities required to join and not the general ones posted on the net. I also want to know the length of the observation period before becoming a brahmachari. All my family members (including me) have taken initiation from the math.
Respected Swamiji, I would be highly obliged if you can spare some of your precious time to answer my questions. I would also like to post similar questions on the issue-I am very much interested in joining the order.
Answer: Hindu Monasticism is voluntary. The main criterion is renunciation and discrimination. If the escapists and unemployed are to take this life, within few days they themselves will walk out. Only when one’s attraction towards Spiritual Life or in other words God realization, is more than the attraction for the world a person can take up the monastic life.
Persons who are graduates can join our order up to the age of 28. It is advisable for you to complete your course before you take a decision in the matter. The novice will have to undergo through medical test. He is expected to have clear ideas about monastic life. He must be thorough with Ramakrishna-Vivekananda and Vedanta Literature.
After joining it takes at least 5 years for a person to be initiated into Brahmacharya Diksha and another 4 years for Sannayasa Diksha. Thus the person will have to undergo training for 10 years