Media, TV and print, have coined the words, ‘saffron’ and ‘saffronizing’, in the context of Hinduism. It has taken it from the color of garments worn by Hindu Sanyaasis. Monks of every faith originated from India (Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism etc.), follow that tradition.
Saffron is a color associated in Hinduism with doing
selfless service towards others, with sacrificing self-interest in service of
society, with giving up personal comforts for the society at large, with giving
up personal property, family life and unessential material comforts and with
finality of never returning back to family home once it is left.
Sanyaasis are those individuals who have, on oath pledged
and given up family and possessions he/she had till that day, never to return
back nor to ever reclaim. Sanyaasi is considered ‘dead’ for claiming any
erstwhile relationships or wealth. It is a hard vow; it does not end with ‘giving-up’.
It entails many do’s and don’ts for his or her balance life. He or she has to
live only for the cause of society while spending balance time on
self-development to be able to love everything in the universe, animate or
inanimate. A genuine unselfish life but not an un-useful life.
Usually, the vow of Sanyaasi-hood is administered only by
accomplished master who takes care to examine incumbent’s aptitude, motives,
determination and capacity. Master can refuse entry into Sanyaasi-hood or can
ask incumbent to wait out unlimited incubation as deemed fit. This safeguard is
considered as essential filter to ensure only deserving becomes Sanyaasi.
Therefore Sanyaasis are respected by everyone and they bow to him in
acknowledgement of his resolve of serving selflessly. Once a Sanyaasi, the whole
mankind becomes his or her family to care for, to live for or die for. It is neither
natural nor easy for average man to love everyone; it takes a lot of learning
to be able to genuinely love everyone. For that learning, the incumbent needs a
lot of self-discipline, dedication to learning, healthy body and mind and
patience. Saffron robe helps keep Sanyaasi steadfast in his resolve of sacrificing
his life for others out of pure love for creations of God.
Besides Saffron, Hinduism associates with many other colors
in various ways. The red, orange and green are auspicious colors for most happy
occasions, the black, violet and blue are associated with Vishnu and his
Avataaars, the yellow is associated with holy due to color of waist wrap (i.e.
Pita-amber or dhoti worn during ceremony) of priests and the white signifies
simplicity and cleanliness. Every color and their combinations represent Hinduism.
‘Saffron’ can, therefore, at best only partially represent Hinduism but ‘Saffronizing’
cannot mean Hinduising. Thinking public will not use imagery of color ‘Saffron’
and ‘Saffronizing’ in an inappropriate and unsuitable manner.
