With this text we conclude our series of linked posts on the three ‘laws’ of life, the Law of Reciprocity, the Law of Beneficence, and the Law of Renunciation.  The series began here, and the preceding post to this one may be found here.  It has not been possible to publish here all of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s teachings on this subject, which runs as a thread through many of his lectures; readers wishing to explore further can begin with volume III of the Message series, The Art of Personality, from which this series has largely been drawn.

All things of the world seem important or precious
when we need them
or when we do not understand them.

The final victory in the battle of life for every soul is when he has abandoned, which means when he has risen above, what once he valued most. For the value of everything exists for man only so long as he does not understand it. When he has fully understood, the value is lost, be it the lowest thing or the highest thing. It is like looking at the scenery on the stage and taking it for a palace. Such is the case with all things of the world; they seem important or precious when we need them or when we do not understand them; as soon as the veil which keeps man from understanding is lifted, then they are nothing.

Do not, therefore, be surprised at the renunciation of sages. Perhaps every person in the spiritual path must go through renunciation. It is not really throwing things away or disconnecting ourselves from friends; it is not taking things to heart as seriously as one naturally does by lack of understanding. No praise, no blame is valuable; no pain or pleasure is of any importance. Rise and fall are natural consequences, so are love and hatred; what does it matter if it be this or that? It matters so long as we do not understand. Renunciation is a bowl of poison no doubt, and only the brave will drink it; but in the end it alone proves to be nectar, and this bravery brings one the final victory.