Get into the witness mode

True renunciation arises from a heart that has begun to realise that we are so much more than a body, and so much more than a bundle of desires and thoughts. To be a renunciate, you do not have to leave your work or family. You can function in the world, outwardly appearing no different from others, whilst being freer of desires by living within the Heart, according to Kia Ora Whanau of the Sacred Earth Community, New Zealand. Vedanta calls this practice as living in sakshi bhav, that is, in witness mode. Observe, watch, learn, without getting entangled in all that is going on.

Execute all your responsibilities, maintain pleasant relationships with family, friends and colleagues, and continue to do so in renunciate mode within. This attitude, of being a witness, helps you not only practice loving detachment, it also enables efficient handling of challenges without getting swayed by emotions.

Sakshi bhav does not mean that emotions are absent; they are there, but you are able to observe them from a distance without getting affected by them. 'When anger begins rising up in you, you are able to see it clearly. You witness it and this helps you to remain calm and not translate that emotion into action,' says Mata Amritanandamayi.


Reflecting on the truth that we are not the body or mind, but are the Atman, true Self, we can use our sense of discrimination, Vivek, to overcome that emotion and stay centred and in control. This is basically the essence of being a person of equanimity - stable, cool, calm and collected.