Do not recognise concept of ‘grihasth sant’, says Akhada Parishad

No one can bind Saints in Gruhasthashram or any other ashram, because they are living life in Gruhasthashram or any other ashram as per their destiny or God’s will. Any person living as per Gruhasthashram can do Sadhana (spiritual practice) and become a Saint, and this is evident from our ancient history. Even many Rishis were living married life ! – Editor, Hindujagruti

Indore : Opposing the concept of “grihasth sant”, or householder saints, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad has said that they do not accord “saint” status to married persons. (We would pray to Hindu religious institutions and organisations to teach Sadhana to Hindus and create such capability in them, with which they can realise which are the real saints and which are the fake ? – Editor, Hindujagruti)

The ABAP is an apex body of 13 major “akhadas”, or religious orders, of Hindu saints and seers.

The statement from the ABAP comes amidst a debate on saints following the alleged suicide of spiritual leader Bhaiyyu Maharaj on June 12.

Bhaiyyu Maharaj, who was reverentially called “rashtra sant” by his followers, committed suicide allegedly due to stress from a family dispute, a preliminary probe has revealed.

Mahant Narendra Giri, Akhada Parishad president, told PTI that it did not recognise the concept of “grihasth sant”, adding that such people were not considered seers till about 50 years ago.

“We are grieved at the death of Bhaiyyu Maharaj. He was a respected person. But we clearly believe that, in religious and spiritual fields, married persons should not be called saints. We do not give any recognition to the concept of grihasth sant,” he said.

“Personalities from religious and spiritual fields should decide whether they want sainthood or they want to be part of a family. They should not ride on two boats at the same time, otherwise they will naturally be affected by family discord,” Giri said.

“Now the media as well as people address preachers and persons delivering sermons as saints. According to us, it is not appropriate to use the term saint for everybody,” Giri said.

He claimed that those enjoying “sainthood” as well as family life at the same time would eventually “fail”. (If a Guru proclaims a Gruhasthashrami Sadhak (seeker) as saint and if He continue his Sadhana under the guidance of His Guru, then they won’t fail at all ! – Editor, Hindujagruti)

The ABAP chief also said that Bhaiyyu Maharaj’s family should not fight among themselves as it would upset the late spiritual leader’s followers.

Source : TOI