Gita 18.1
अर्जुन उवाच |
सन्न्यासस्य महाबाहो तत्त्वमिच्छामि वेदितुम् |
त्यागस्य च हृषीकेश पृथक्केशिनिषूदन || 1||
arjuna uvācha
sannyāsasya mahā-bāho tattvam ichchhāmi veditum
tyāgasya cha hṛiṣhīkeśha pṛithak keśhi-niṣhūdana
In Verse 18.1 of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna asks Shree Krishna to clarify the distinction between sanyās (renunciation of actions) and tyāg (renunciation of attachment to the fruits of actions). By addressing Krishna as Hrishikesh and Keshi-nisudan, Arjuna reveals his desire to overcome inner doubt and attain spiritual clarity.
This verse marks the beginning of the final chapter, setting the stage for a concise summary of the Gita’s teachings. It prepares the ground for deeper insights into renunciation, the influence of the three guṇas, and highlights bhakti—loving devotion to the Divine—as the ultimate goal of human life.
Gita 18.2
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
काम्यानां कर्मणां न्यासं सन्न्यासं कवयो विदु: |
सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं प्राहुस्त्यागं विचक्षणा: || 2||
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha
kāmyānāṁ karmaṇāṁ nyāsaṁ sannyāsaṁ kavayo viduḥ
sarva-karma-phala-tyāgaṁ prāhus tyāgaṁ vichakṣhaṇāḥ
In this verse, Shree Krishna explains the distinction between sanyās and tyāg as understood by different groups of learned individuals. The kavayaḥ (learned scholars) define sanyās as the renunciation of actions, especially those driven by material desires (kāmya karm), which bind the soul to the cycle of birth and death. Such renunciants give up worldly pursuits aimed at enjoyment, while still performing essential daily duties.
On the other hand, the vichakṣhaṇāḥ (the wise) emphasize tyāg, or internal renunciation. This means continuing to perform one’s prescribed duties, but without attachment to their results. In this way, tyāg focuses on letting go of the desire for rewards rather than abandoning action itself.
Through this verse, Krishna presents both paths as valid approaches, setting the stage for further clarification on which form of renunciation is superior and most conducive to spiritual progress.
Gita 18.3
त्याज्यं दोषवदित्येके कर्म प्राहुर्मनीषिण: |
यज्ञदानतप:कर्म न त्याज्यमिति चापरे || 3||
tyājyaṁ doṣha-vad ity eke karma prāhur manīṣhiṇaḥ
yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-karma na tyājyam iti chāpare
This verse presents two contrasting philosophical views on action and renunciation. One group of thinkers, such as the Sānkhya philosophers, argue that all actions should be abandoned because they are driven by desire and inevitably lead to further entanglement in the cycle of birth and death. They emphasize that every action carries some inherent flaw, including unintended harm.
On the other hand, the Mīmānsā philosophers maintain that prescribed duties—especially those outlined in the Vedas—must never be renounced. They assert that even if such duties involve minor, unintended harm, they should still be performed because specific scriptural injunctions (like performing sacrifices, charity, and penance) take precedence over general prohibitions.
Gita 18.4
निश्चयं शृणु मे तत्र त्यागे भरतसत्तम |
त्यागो हि पुरुषव्याघ्र त्रिविध: सम्प्रकीर्तित: || 4||
niśhchayaṁ śhṛiṇu me tatra tyāge bharata-sattama
tyāgo hi puruṣha-vyāghra tri-vidhaḥ samprakīrtitaḥ
In this verse, Krishna clarifies the true meaning of renunciation to Arjuna, addressing the confusion caused by differing viewpoints. He states that he will explain renunciation clearly by classifying it into three distinct types in the following verses.
The key message is that real renunciation is not simply giving up actions, but letting go of selfish desires and attachments while continuing to perform one’s duties. It highlights that true renunciation is an inner discipline, requiring courage, clarity, and a higher spiritual focus.
Gita 18.5
यज्ञदानतप:कर्म न त्याज्यं कार्यमेव तत् |
यज्ञो दानं तपश्चैव पावनानि मनीषिणाम् || 5||
yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-karma na tyājyaṁ kāryam eva tat
yajño dānaṁ tapaśh chaiva pāvanāni manīṣhiṇām
In this verse, Krishna instructs Arjuna that actions like sacrifice (yajña), charity (dān), and penance (tapa) should never be abandoned. These practices are essential for spiritual growth and inner purification, and when performed with the right attitude, they do not bind the soul but uplift it.
The essence of this teaching is that such noble actions help cleanse the mind, develop virtuous qualities, and help us grow spiritually. Instead of renouncing all actions, one should continue performing these uplifting duties as a path to inner transformation and spiritual progress.
Gita 18.6
एतान्यपि तु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा फलानि च |
कर्तव्यानीति मे पार्थ निश्चितं मतमुत्तमम् || 6||
etāny api tu karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā phalāni cha
kartavyānīti me pārtha niśhchitaṁ matam uttamam
In this verse, Krishna further clarifies to Arjuna that acts of sacrifice (yajña), charity (dān), and penance (tapa) should be performed with a spirit of devotion and without attachment to rewards. Even if one has not yet developed deep devotion, these actions should still be carried out as a sense of duty, free from selfish motives.
The essence of this teaching is that selfless action purifies the heart and elevates the individual. Just as a mother nurtures her child or a cow provides milk without expectation, such acts do not diminish the giver but instead enhance their worth and virtue. When performed with sincerity and detachment, these noble deeds become sacred and contribute to spiritual growth.
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Bhagavad Gita [English]- 28.3.2026
