Paramahamsaji began reaching toward a higher spiritual practice. His sadhana sessions were aimed at attaining a higher goal, as the samskaras he performed became meaningless. There was much discomfort as he performed yogic rituals during Rikhia’s hot summer months, away from his ashram. This guru was able to cultivate his own spirituality, yet many followers are not able to grow spiritually in their own lives.
Swamis can be overcome by meditation, and it may be more beneficial to practice serious sadhana later in life, when the mind has matured. Maturity is not a change in our personality, or an increase in knowledge. A mind grows to maturity when a person is able to recognize what must occur in the “now” in order to benefit oneself.
An admirable representation of the idea of a mature mind is brought forth in daily life by the living guru, Paramahamsaji. At the ripe age of seventy, most people relax and enjoy the comforts in their lives; Paramahamsaji gave up his clothes and became pure consciousness as an avadhoota, the last phase of sannyasa. He began performing higher sadhanas. Although the average yogi may not understand the purpose of his practice, he knew what he wished to achieve.