Preparing for a Sanyasi's Visit home

[Prashant Parikh]

There was an inquiry about how to prepare for a Sanyasi visiting one's home, and best practices to follow. Sharing here if it helps others. 

There are some prathas WE have followed; this may vary family to family. General thoughts below:

1. Sattvik bhojan only. No onions, garlic etc. Quite naturally it must be pure vegetarian. 

2. Metal utensils. sanyasis and pandits, I've noted, don't often eat in glass or porcelain utensils. It's usually metal. Per my understanding I don't think there's any issue in other materials (avoid plastic for sure as that's just downright unhealthy, for anyone including ourselves ) but metals is a safe bet.

 

3. Invite them in with mantras chanted. Typically one chants: na karmana prajaya dhanena shloka.

4. Do charan snanam at the doorway. Wash their feet with lukewarm water and wipe them clean with a cloth

5. Drape the sofa with an orange cloth where the Sanyasi is to be seated 

6. Sit on the floor while they sit in an elevated position, out of respect. 

7. Let them speak and share their wisdom. Make enquires. Take it as an opportunity to gain self knowledge. Avoid discussions on politics etc. They may indulge but the best way to benefit from this interaction is to enrich ourselves with their wisdom. 

8. Avoid inquiring too much about their Purvashrama. Some sanyasis may be comfortable discussing it others may not be. Unless they bring something up.

9. Have some devout friends / family over to benefit from the darshan

Keep it simple and relaxed. Don't overprepare and enjoy the rare moment with the mahatma. Some orthodox families go overboard running helter skelter and miss out on the very intention of such a visitation.