The Importance of Renunciation
The main purpose of the Great Perfection’s common outer preliminary practices is to cultivate renunciation in us, and the practice of renunciation is extremely important.
Renunciation is the key that unlocks all paths to liberation. It is indispensable for practitioners of all levels, whether high, medium, or low. Without the foundation of renunciation, we cannot realize bodhicitta in our hearts nor attain the realization of emptiness.
The boundary between worldly dharma and transcendent dharma lies in renunciation. Before we have renunciation in our mind-stream, no matter how much we study Buddhism, it will only be superficial form without any inner experience. Without inner experience, we cannot sincerely value the practices aimed at liberation. Currently, some practitioners lack faith in their gurus and the Three Jewels; they cannot let go of selfish desires for fame and profit, making it difficult for them to persist in their practices. Their practice states fluctuate between good and bad and are often intermittent. These issues arise from not recognizing the suffering of samsara and a lack of manifestation of renunciation.
Renunciation is as crucial as a boat for crossing a river; until we realize great emptiness, our hearts must always remain engaged in the practice of renunciation. Renunciation is not an escape or avoidance; it is a non-attachment mindset. Most of our suffering and disappointment stem from misunderstanding the nature of change and clinging to it. The most important aspect of cultivating renunciation is recognizing the essence of each situation and understanding impermanence and non-self. This way, we will not develop strong attachments or desires toward external circumstances. In the 21st century, material life is quite abundant with many temptations; without renunciation, these temptations can easily lead us to overlook the meaning of life and affect our path to liberation.
When we genuinely possess renunciation, there arises within us a true understanding: “No matter how samsara manifests itself, it is suffering.” With this understanding, we naturally gain courage and confidence toward liberation; our hearts will not cling to external conditions nor harbor any feelings of envy.