Qualifications for Sannyasa

After approximately seven years of service as student and minister, the male
student may, if he so wishes, take the order of Sannyasa, or renounced
order. Upon taking the Order of Sannyasa, the student receives the title of
svami. Adopting the Order of Sannyasa is voluntary, And one who adopts this
order takes a vow never to marry. Married ministers may take Sannyasa when
the sons are old enough to take care of the wife. When a married minister
adopts the Order of Sannyasa, there is no more personal contact between him
and his wife. Generaly the Sannyasi (Svami) moves to an other location. In
addition to a clear showing of personal worth, the Bhaktivedanta, in order
to join the Renounced Order of Life (Svami), must establish the following:
a. Intensive study of Vedic Scriptures:
1. Caitanya-caritamrta
2. Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
3. Narada-pancaratra
4. Padma Purana
5. Visnu Purana
6. Vedanta-sutra
7. 108 Upanisads
b. Publication of extensive commentary on one of the above Scriptures.
c. Evidence of extensive ministry work subsequent to ordination.
From the Hare Krsna Handbook, 1970