In the 19th session of the Bhagavad Gita Simplified, Shree Krishna explains the principles of sanyas (renunciation of actions) and tyag (renunciation of attachment to the fruits of actions). Arjun’s inquiry reflects a critical aspect of spiritual life, asking for the distinction between these two forms of renunciation. Through his teachings, Shree Krishna offers deep insight into how we can perform duties while developing detachment and selflessness, leading to inner purification and spiritual progress.
Distinguishing Sanyas and Tyag
Shree Krishna begins by acknowledging that there are two paths: the path of sanyas and the path of tyag. While both involve renunciation, they differ in their approach. Shree Krishna explains that sanyas involves renouncing all actions motivated by personal desires, while tyag focuses on relinquishing attachment to the fruits of actions. Shree Krishna emphasises that both are valid, but tyag is superior, as it allows individuals to continue performing their duties while maintaining inner detachment.
“Giving up actions motivated by desire is what the learned understand as sanyas. Relinquishing the fruits of all actions is what the wise declare to be tyag.” (BG 18.2)
Shree Krishna encourages Arjun to embrace tyag, the internal renunciation, where one continues to perform prescribed duties but without attachment to personal gain. This path leads to spiritual freedom and self-realisation.
Types of Renunciation
Shree Krishna describes three types of renunciation, each linked to the three gunas or modes of material nature:
- Tamasik Renunciation: This form of renunciation is done out of ignorance or confusion, where one gives up duties out of laziness or misunderstanding, often resulting in spiritual stagnation.
- Rajasik Renunciation: In this form, a person renounces duties because of discomfort, inconvenience, or a desire for personal gain. This type of renunciation is driven by passion and self-interest, thus lacking spiritual benefit.
- Sattvik Renunciation: The highest form of renunciation is sattvik, where individuals continue to fulfil their responsibilities but without attachment to the outcomes. This selfless action leads to peace, spiritual elevation, and freedom from material bondage.
न द्वेष्ट्यकुशलं कर्म कुशले नानुश्ज्जते |
श्रद्धा सत्त्वसमाविष्टो मेधावी छिन्नसंशयः ||
“Those who neither avoid disagreeable work nor seek work because it is agreeable are persons of true renunciation. They are endowed with the quality of the mode of goodness and have no doubts about the nature of work.” (BG 18.10)
Shree Krishna highlights that the ideal renunciation is sattvik, where a person performs their duties without being swayed by success or failure, pleasure or discomfort. This mental equilibrium is the hallmark of a person established in spiritual wisdom.
The Importance of Duty in Spiritual Growth
Shree Krishna emphasises that renouncing prescribed duties is not the path to liberation. True renunciation does not mean abandoning work but giving up attachment to the results. This distinction is crucial because abandoning duties can lead to confusion and further entanglement in material desires.
“For the embodied being, it is impossible to give up activities entirely. But those who relinquish the fruits of their actions are said to be truly renounced.”
Shree Krishna advises Arjun that it is not actions themselves that bind individuals but the attachment to their results. By continuing to perform duties with detachment, one can purify the mind and progress toward liberation.
The Five Factors for Accomplishing Actions
In the Sankhya philosophy, Shree Krishna explains that every action involves five essential factors. These factors are the building blocks for any successful endeavor, whether spiritual or material.
अधिष्ठानं तथा कर्ता करणं च पृथग्विधम् |
विविधाश्च पृथक्चेष्टा दैवं चैवात्र पञ्चमम् ||
“The body, the doer, the various senses, the many kinds of efforts, and Divine Providence—these are the five factors of action.” (BG 18.14)
The five factors include:
- Adhishthanam (Body): The physical body through which actions are performed.
- Karta (Doer): The individual or soul that initiates the action.
- Karanam (Senses): The senses and instruments that enable action.
- Cheshtha (Effort): The mental and physical effort required for any action.
- Daiva (Divine Providence): The role of divine grace or destiny in determining the success of actions.
These five factors remind us that success is not solely dependent on our efforts but also on the divine circumstances that shape the outcome.
Ego and the Illusion of Doership
Shree Krishna warns Arjun against the ego-driven sense of doership, which arises from ignorance. He explains that while the soul governs the actions of the body, it is not the ultimate doer. Without the body and the energy provided by the divine, no actions would be possible.
यस्य नहं कृतो भावो बुद्धिर्यस्य न लिप्यते |
हत्वाऽपि स इमाल्ल्लोकान्न हन्ति न निबध्यते ||
“Those who are free from the ego of being the doer, though they may slay living beings, they neither kill nor are they bound by actions.” (BG 18.17)
This verse emphasises that actions performed without the egoic sense of doership and with the understanding that everything is an offering to the divine do not bind the soul.
The Triad of Knowledge, action, and Doer
Shree Krishna further elaborates on the interconnectedness of knowledge, action, and the doer. He explains that the quality of one’s knowledge determines the nature of their actions and the resulting spiritual growth.
- Sattvik Knowledge: Leads to selfless actions and spiritual elevation.
- Rajasik Knowledge: Driven by desire and self-interest, leading to further entanglement in material life.
- Tamasik Knowledge: Rooted in ignorance, leading to misguided actions and spiritual decline.
This triad underscores the importance of cultivating pure knowledge to ensure that actions lead to spiritual advancement.
Conclusion:
In this session, Shree Krishna’s teachings reveal the essence of renunciation and detachment. While sanyas and tyag both aim to free the soul from material bondage, tyag is superior as it encourages the performance of duties without attachment to outcomes. By renouncing the fruits of action, one can purify the mind, cultivate humility, and advance toward spiritual liberation. This balanced approach enables individuals to fulfil their responsibilities while maintaining inner peace and detachment from the material world.
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Bhagavad Gita Simplified [English]- 12th October 2024
