The very first aspect (prakarana) dealt with in 'YogavasisHta' is about 'Renunciation' (vairagya). This appears a little strange. it is not easily discernible why the Learned sage should impart renunciation to the Crown Prince Ramachandra! May be, he wants the Prince Rama to develop a sense of equanimity, a sense of 'nishkama karma' as advocated by Bhagavan Sri Krishna. that would help him in the future as a king. Also, it may be the intention of the Sage to advise Rama to develop a sense of renunciation (vairagya) as taught by Bhagavan Sri Krishna to Arjuna. This karma sanyasayoga is all about nishkama karma only. Renunciation leads one toward an inward journey, shutting off all external sensual and worldly indulgences for selfish interests in order to promote development of Atmajnyan.. Actually, Sri Ramachandra is the Crown Prince who is to succeed the King Dasharatha as ho is already old and soon relinquishing the throne. However, it is a different story that the stepmother Kaikeyi sends him for dwelling in forest (vanavaasa) and makes her son Bharata as the king. May be, it is in this context that the Sage Vasishta teaches renunciation. The teachings of the Sage, in fact, helps Rama to a great extent in his exile.
Renunciation or vairagya that normally leads to taking to sanyasa, does not mean withdrawing from worldly life, wearing the saffron clothes, and going to the forest or mountains to sit in penance in a solitary place. It is just a life full of spiritual knowledge and discrimination. It is more befitting a King to have an experience of this sort before taking up the reins of the Stae. Equanimity is something that doesn't come without renunciation. It is only a disinterested, non-indulgent, discriminative mind that can operate with justice and equality. Otherwise, the mind is prone to likes and dislikes, favor and fear, and such other dualities. it's too much of blind affection for the children of the King Dhrutarashtra that led to the Great War!
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