Sannyasa
(संन्यास)Literal Meaning
Complete renunciation
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
'Sam' (completely) plus 'nyasa' (laying down, casting away); the fourth and final ashrama, in which all social ties, possessions, and identity markers are relinquished in pursuit of moksha alone.
Spiritual Insight & Context
A sannyasi traditionally performs their own funeral rites before taking vows, symbolically dying to their old social identity so they can live entirely for spiritual truth alone.