Markata Vairagya according to Bhaktivinoda Thakura ️ Markata vairagya, or “monkey renunciation,” is a term used by Bhaktivinoda Thakura to describe a false or superficial renunciation. The example comes from the behavior of monkeys: although they seem disengaged because they live naked in the jungle and eat fruit, they are actually very attached to pleasures, especially sexual ones, as they usually have many partners. Bhaktivinoda Thakura hardly criticized those who show external signs of disengagement but remain attached to material desires. This includes both family heads who abandon their responsibilities without having overcome their desires, as well as renunciants who appear to sanctify but maintain hidden attachments. True renunciation, according to Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition