In the new age the new dispensation must not admit this error. In the Gita, Sri Krishna has time and again directed Arjuna not to follow asceticism. He admits the virtue of Sannyasa and yet, in spite of the repeated questionings of Arjuna overwhelmed as he was with the spirit of asceticism, abnegation and altruism, Sri Krishna never withdrew his injunctions with regard to the path of action. Many have repeated the question of Arjuna, some even have not hesitated to call him the worst Teacher, one who shows the wrong way. In answer, Sri Krishna has explained that renunciation is greater than asceticism, to remember God and do one's appointed work without desire if far greater than freedom to do as one likes.
Renunciation means renunciation of desire, renunciation of selfishness.
And to learn that renunciation one need not take refuge in solitude. This world of varied play has been created for the purpose of bringing delight to its creatures. It is not God's purpose that this game of delight should cease. He wants the creatures to become his comrades and playmates, to flood the world with delight. Many are the ways fixed by him which, if followed would take one out of the darkness, bring him into God's company.