There are four stages of life: brahmacharya, garhasthya, Vanaprastha, and Sannyas. During the first three stages a man has to perform his worldly duties. The Sannyasi carries only his staff, water-pot, and begging-bowl. He too may perform certain nityakarma, but his mind is not attached to it; he is not conscious of doing such work. Some sannyasis perform nityakarma to set an example to the world.
If a householder or a man belonging to the other stages of life performs action without attachment, then he is united with God through such action.
In the case of a paramahamsa, like Sukadeva, all karmas - all puja, japa, tarpan, sandhya, and so forth-drop away. In this state a man communes with God through the mind alone. Sometimes he may be pleased to perform outward activities for the welfare of mankind. But his recollection and contemplation of God remain uninterrupted.
- Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, P 388 (2 February 1884)
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