Imagine a life without money, contact with family, and tasty food! Not really something anyone would hope for. Did you know that thousands of years ago hundreds of yogis lived a life of complete renunciation? They would follow a set of rules that included no money, no contact with women, and attachment only to God and no one else. However, over time this tradition was lost and it was Bhagwan Swaminarayan who revived it 200 years ago when he initiated thousands of sadhus who followed the five vartmans (vows). Let’s learn these five vartmans and understand the lifestyle practiced by the sadhus.

1. Nishkam :
This first vow means to give up all contact with women including looking at, talking to, touching or even thinking about women.

2. Nirlobh :
This vow means to be free of greed. When we have money, we desire to buy more things. Therefore, sadhus do not touch money, do not have bank accounts, or even have someone else manage their money. Their clothes have no pockets and this is symbolic of having no belongings.

3. Niswaad :
Imagine eating vegetarian food that even dogs wouldn’t dare touch. During Maharaj’s time, the paramhansas ate only food that dogs would turn away from. Being niswaadi means having no cravings for tasty food. For this reason, Sadhus use a pattar (wooden bowl) to mix their food.

4. Nissneh :
After sadhus take diksha, they detach themselves from their family. Sadhus should not be attached to anyone but God.

5. Nirman :
This last vow means to be without ego. All sadhus have to be humble and serve everyone.
For example, Swamishri always gives credit to Maharaj and his gurus Yogiji Maharaj and Shastriji Maharaj. Despite doing everything he never takes credit for anything.