Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Six qualities that enhance Bhakti
Sadhu-vrtti
Following in the footsteps of the previous acaryas
Devotees accept the sannyasa order of life only in special situations; it is not always required. A Vaisnava born in a brahmana's family can take such sannyasa when he leaves home, but he should not accept the limbs that are averse to his devotional service. Regarding the characteristics of Svarupa Damodara Prabhu, it is stated in the Caitanya-caritamrta (Madhya 10.107-108):
`niscinte krsna bhajiba' ei ta' karane
unmade karila tenha sannyasa grahane
sannyasa karila sikha-sutra-tyaga-rupa
yoga-patta na nila, nama haila `svarupa'
"He was very enthusiastic to worship Sri Krsna without disturbance; therefore it was almost in madness that he accepted the sannyasa order. Upon accepting sannyasa, Purusottama Acarya followed the regulative principles by giving up his tuft of hair and sacred thread, but he did not accept the saffron colored dress. Also, he did not accept a sannyasi title but remained as a naisthika-brahmacari."
Someone may accept sannyasa in the form of minimizing his needs. In the Caitanya-caritamrta (Madhya 20.78, 81) there is the following statement regarding the character of Sri Sanatana Gosvami:
tabe misra puratana eka dhuti dila
tenho dui bahirvasa-kaupina karila
sanatana kahe,-ami madhukari kariba
brahmanera ghare kene ekatra bhiksa laba?
"When Tapana Misra gave Sanatana Gosvami a used dhoti, Sanatana immediately tore it in pieces to make two sets of outer cloth and underwear. Sanatana replied: I shall practice the process of madhukari. Why should I accept full meals in the house of a brahmana?"