Bhagavad Gita 18.3

Moksha Sanyasa Yoga · English Translation

Some philosophers declare that actions should be abandoned as an evil; while others (declare) that acts of sacrifice, gift and austerity should not be relinished.

Sanskrit

त्याज्यं दोषवदित्येके कर्म प्राहुर्मनीषिणः | यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यमिति चापरे ||१८-३||

Transliteration

tyājyaṃ doṣavadityeke karma prāhurmanīṣiṇaḥ . yajñadānatapaḥkarma na tyājyamiti cāpare ||18-3||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Krishna introduces two opposing views held by philosophers regarding action while preparing to explain the true nature of renunciation. Some argue that all actions should be abandoned because they are tainted with fault or evil, leading to a life of inaction. Others counter that certain noble duties like sacrifice, charity, and austerity must never be given up under any circumstances. Krishna sets this stage to reveal his own balanced teaching: one should not abandon action entirely but perform it without attachment.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse belongs primarily to the framework of Karma Yoga and Sankhya philosophy, which distinguish between 'Sanyasa' (renunciation in spirit) and 'Tyaga' (giving up action). It develops the concept that true renunciation is not physical abandonment of duties but a mental state where one performs obligatory actions without attachment to personal gain. Krishna later critiques both extremes—the total avoidance of work and the rigid adherence to ritual—by introducing the ideal of performing necessary acts with detachment.

Word by Word

त्याज्यम् should be abandoned, दोषवत् (full of) as an evil, इति thus, एके some, कर्म action, प्राहुः declare, मनीषिणः philosophers, यज्ञदानतपःकर्म acts of sacrifice, gift and austerity, न not, त्याज्यम् should be relinished, इति thus, च and, अपरे others

Classical Commentary

Some philosophers who follow the doctrine of the Sankhyas declare that all actions,should be abandoned as evil, even by those who are fit for Karma Yoga. Doshavat As an evil All Karmas should be abandoned as involving evil because they cause bondage or that they should be relinished like passion and other such evil tendencies. Others declare that the acts of sacrifice, gifts and austerities should not be given up by those who are fit for Karma Yoga. These are the opinions of some, who are of great understanding. Now listen to Me. I will settle this matter and will tell thee how renunciation should be practised. The subject of the discourse here is about the Karma Yogins only and not about those persons who have gone beyond the path of Karma. It is with reference to the Karma Yogins that these conflicting opinions are held and not with reference to the Jnana Yogins or the Sannyasins who have risen above all worldly concerns.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs at the very beginning of Chapter 18, titled 'Moksha Sanyasa Yoga,' which serves as the culmination and summary of the entire Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna is speaking to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra after a long discourse that has covered duty (karma), knowledge (jnana), and devotion (bhakti). Just before this, Arjuna had asked for clarification on what true 'renunciation' means—whether it involves giving up all work or just one's attachment to results. This verse captures the confusion of various philosophical schools existing at that time regarding whether action should be stopped entirely.

Living It Out Today

Consider a professional facing burnout who decides their only option is to quit their job and stop working completely because they feel 'tainted' by corporate stress or ethical compromises in the industry. This verse challenges that extreme reaction, suggesting instead that one can remain in high-pressure roles like teaching, healthcare, or leadership (acts of service) without abandoning them entirely. The practical takeaway is to continue performing necessary duties with integrity while letting go of the anxiety about success or failure, rather than walking away from responsibility altogether.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are playing a game where some friends say, 'Let's stop playing because the rules might get broken,' while others insist, 'We must keep our promise and finish the game.' In this verse, Lord Krishna is listening to these two different opinions on what we should do. It teaches us that sometimes things can be difficult or make mistakes happen, but good habits like helping others or working hard are never bad. The lesson is not to run away from work, but to learn how to play the game of life with a clean heart.

Daily Reflection

You are likely feeling torn today between the urge to withdraw from your responsibilities because they feel burdensome or flawed, and the realization that giving up on duty is itself a trap. This verse invites you to see that neither total abandonment nor mechanical ritualism offers liberation; instead, find the middle path where sacrifice, generosity, and self-discipline become acts of devotion rather than obligations. When you serve others with sincerity today, remember that your actions are not evil simply because they exist in this imperfect world.

A Practice for Today

Sit quietly and observe your own resistance to action versus the fear of attachment; notice where you wish to escape duty as an evil, or conversely, cling rigidly to rituals without inner freedom. Allow this tension between renunciation and engagement to settle into a simple awareness that true peace lies not in abandoning work, but in transforming how we do it.

Key Teachings

The Illusion of Renunciation
Krishna introduces the view held by some sages who mistakenly believe that all action is inherently binding and must be abandoned to find peace. This teaching warns us against using 'renunciation' as an excuse for laziness or逃避, which ultimately deepens ignorance rather than freeing the soul.
The Sanctity of Essential Duties
In contrast, another group argues that acts like sacrifice (Yajna), charity (Dana), and austerity (Tapas) are sacred pillars that should never be abandoned. These specific actions purify the heart and align us with cosmic order, serving as essential vehicles for spiritual growth when performed without attachment.
Beyond Dualistic Views
This verse sets the stage by presenting two opposing extremes to show that neither total inaction nor rigid adherence is sufficient on its own. The ultimate teaching will emerge from transcending this dichotomy, revealing that true renunciation happens within action through selfless devotion.

Themes

Renunciation (Sanyasa)Duty and ActionPhilosophical Views on KarmaDetachment vs. InactionCharity and AusterityMoksha Pathways

Related Verses

2.47 3.5 18.66

Read This Next

2.47 — This verse establishes the foundational principle of performing action without attachment to results, which is the practical antidote to both views mentioned in 18.3.
3.30 — It details how one should dedicate all actions and their fruits to Krishna, transforming sacrifice (Yajna) into a living practice of surrender.
12.15 — This verse describes the qualities of those who are dear to God, specifically highlighting how they neither disturb others nor crave disturbance, reflecting the balanced state Krishna is building toward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bhagavad Gita say we should stop doing all work?

No, the Gita clarifies that while some philosophers argue for total inaction, Krishna teaches that one should not abandon necessary duties like sacrifice and charity. Instead of stopping action, he advises performing it without attachment to the results or ego.

What is the difference between 'Sanyasa' and 'Tyaga'?

'Sanyasa' traditionally refers to giving up all actions and worldly life as a monk, while 'Tyaga' means renouncing the fruits of action or performing duties without selfish desire. In this verse, Krishna begins by addressing these two views before defining true Tyaga later in the chapter.

Why are sacrifice (Yajna), charity (Dana), and austerity (Tapas) mentioned specifically?

These three acts are considered 'pure' forms of action that purify the heart and sustain society, unlike actions driven by ignorance or selfish gain. The Gita emphasizes that these specific duties should never be abandoned because they lead to spiritual growth rather than bondage.

How does this verse fit into Krishna's final instruction?

This verse sets the stage for Chapter 18 by presenting conflicting opinions so Krishna can provide his definitive wisdom. He ultimately synthesizes these views, teaching that while one should not abandon action entirely, they must perform it as an offering to the Divine.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 18.3 →