Bhagavad Gita 18.2

Moksha Sanyasa Yoga · English Translation

The Blessed Lord said The sages understand Sannyasa to be the renunciation of action with desire; the wise declare the abandonment of the fruits of all actions as Tyaga.

Sanskrit

श्रीभगवानुवाच | काम्यानां कर्मणां न्यासं संन्यासं कवयो विदुः | सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं प्राहुस्त्यागं विचक्षणाः ||१८-२||

Transliteration

śrībhagavānuvāca . kāmyānāṃ karmaṇāṃ nyāsaṃ saṃnyāsaṃ kavayo viduḥ . sarvakarmaphalatyāgaṃ prāhustyāgaṃ vicakṣaṇāḥ ||18-2||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna clarifies a crucial distinction between two concepts often confused by seekers: Sannyasa and Tyaga. He explains that true wisdom defines 'Sannyasa' as giving up actions motivated by personal desire or selfish gain. Meanwhile, the truly wise define 'Tyaga' not as abandoning action itself, but as performing all duties while surrendering attachment to their results.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse is foundational to Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action within Vedanta philosophy. It develops the concept of Nishkama Karma (action without desire for fruits), distinguishing it from Sankhya's theoretical renunciation by establishing that spiritual growth comes through engaged duty performed with detachment.

Word by Word

English

Classical Commentary

By Swami Sivananda18.2 काम्यानाम् (of) desireful, कर्मणाम् of actions, न्यासम् the renunciation, संन्यासम् Sannyasa, कवयः the sages, विदुः understand, सर्वकर्मफलत्यागम् the abandonment of the fruits of all works, प्राहुः declare, त्यागम् abandonment, विचक्षणाः the wise. Commentary Kamya Karmani Activities such as the Asvamedha (a special sacrifice), etc., which are performed for the attainment of specific selfish ends. The wise men declare that Tyaga means abandonment of the fruits of all the Nitya and Naimittika works (ordinary and extraordinary or occasional duties).The rootmeaning of the words Sannyasa and Tyaga is to give up. In popular usage Sannyasa and Tyaga are more or less synonymous. Both mean renunciation. The two words do not mean two altogether distinct ideas as stone and fruit, or pot and cloth. They convey the same general idea with a slight distinction. An objector asks It is said that the Nitya and Naimittika actions cannot produce any fruits. Why then is the relinishment of their fruits mentioned here It is like asking for the relinishment of the barren womans sonWe say The objection is not correct. In the opinion of the Lord, ordinary and occasional duties cause their own fruits (vide XVIII.12). Sannyasins alone who have renounced the desire for the fruits of actions will not get the fruits, but other persons will have to reap the fruits of the ordinary and occasional actions. If one renounces all actions after the attainment of Selfrealisation and enters into the fourth order of life (Sannyasa) it is called VidvatSannyasa. If one renounces all actions and enters into the order of Sannyasa for the sake of doing VedantaVichara (or reflection on the truths of the Vedantaphilosophy and on the true significance of the great sentences of the Upanishads which reveal the identity of the individual soul with the Supreme Being) and for thus attaining Selfrealisation, it is called VividishaSannyasa.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs in Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita during the climax at Kurukshetra, where Arjuna is overwhelmed by confusion and grief. Having heard Krishna's teachings on duty throughout the previous chapters, Arjuna now asks for a final clarification: Should he renounce all actions entirely to find peace? Krishna responds directly to this specific query by defining the precise meaning of 'renunciation' (Sannyasa) versus 'abandonment of fruit' (Tyaga), setting the stage for his detailed instructions on how to act without being bound by karma.

Living It Out Today

Consider a professional facing a high-stakes promotion interview; they can either refuse to apply because they fear failure, or apply with intense anxiety about the outcome. The teaching here suggests applying fully and preparing diligently (action), but mentally letting go of the specific result—whether you get hired or not—to maintain inner peace regardless of the news that follows.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are playing a game of soccer and your friend asks if quitting the team is how you become a good player. Krishna tells us that being a true hero isn't about running away from the field (giving up action). Instead, it means you play every match with all your heart but don't get upset or angry just because you might lose the game; you focus on playing well rather than worrying about winning.

Daily Reflection

You often feel burdened because you carry not only the weight of your tasks but also the heavy expectation of their results. Today, try separating the dignity of doing from the anxiety of winning; true peace arrives when you trust that giving your best is enough on its own. When you let go of needing a specific reward, your work transforms into an offering rather than a transaction.

A Practice for Today

Close your eyes and gently bring to mind one action you are performing today; notice the desire for a specific outcome attached to it. Silently release that attachment, offering just the effort of the act itself without demanding how it must unfold.

Key Teachings

Renunciation of Desire
The sages define true Sannyasa not as abandoning all action, but specifically as giving up the desire for personal gain within those actions. This shifts the motivation from selfish craving to selfless duty, purifying the heart.
Surrender of Fruits
The wise declare Tyaga as the complete abandonment of attachment to any result, whether favorable or unfavorable. By detaching from outcomes, one remains steady in success and failure alike.
Action Without Attachment
True wisdom lies in performing necessary duties while mentally surrendering all claims over the consequences. This practice liberates the practitioner from the cycle of karma driven by desire.

Themes

Selfless ActionDetachmentRenunciationDuty (Dharma)Wisdom vs IgnoranceInner Peace

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Krishna tell us to stop working entirely?

No, he does not. He explicitly distinguishes between giving up action and giving up attachment to results. The Gita encourages performing one's duty while surrendering the desire for specific outcomes.

What is the main difference between Sannyasa and Tyaga according to this verse?

Sannyasa refers to renouncing actions that are driven by personal desires or selfish motives. Tyaga, however, is defined as performing all types of action but surrendering any claim over their fruits or results.

Why does Krishna call the wise people 'vicakshana' in this verse?

The term means those who are discriminating or possess clear discernment. These individuals understand that true liberation comes not from avoiding work, but from changing their internal relationship with what they achieve through action.

How can I apply the concept of Tyaga in a stressful job?

You should focus your energy entirely on doing your tasks to the best of your ability without worrying about promotions, praise, or fear of failure. Once you have done what is necessary, mentally release the outcome and accept whatever happens as part of a larger process.

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