Chapter 18 Verse 1
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
अर्जुन उवाच संन्यासस्य महाबाहो तत्त्वमिच्छामि वेदितुम्। त्यागस्य च हृषीकेश पृथक्केशिनिषूदन।।18.1।।
arjuna uvācha sannyāsasya mahā-bāho tattvam ichchhāmi veditum tyāgasya cha hṛiṣhīkeśha pṛithak keśhi-niṣhūdana
Word Meanings
| arjunaḥ uvācha | Arjun said |
| sanyāsasya | of renunciation of actions |
| mahā-bāho | mighty-armed one |
| tattvam | the truth |
| ichchhāmi | I wish |
| veditum | to understand |
| tyāgasya | of renunciation of desires for enjoying the fruits of actions |
| cha | and |
| hṛiṣhīkeśha | Krishna, the Lord of the senses |
| pṛithak | distinctively |
| keśhī-niṣhūdana | Krishna, the killer of the Keshi demon |
Translation
Arjuna said, "O mighty-armed Hrishikesa, I desire to know the essence or truth of renunciation and abandonment severally, O slayer of Kesi."
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Here Arjuna asks Krishna to clearly explain two related but different ideas: sannyāsa (giving up actions or a life of formal renunciation) and tyāga (giving up attachment to the fruits of actions). He wants to know their true nature, not just words.
The deeper teaching is that outward withdrawal from the world is not the only path. Real renunciation is an inner change: doing what must be done without craving or fear about outcomes. That inner freedom is the heart of spiritual life.
The verse points to a practical spirituality: liberation comes from transforming your attitude toward action — from attachment and avoidance to steady, detached participation in life.
Life Application
- When you work, focus on doing your best and let go of worry about praise, blame, profit, or loss; this builds inner freedom.
- Before making big life changes, ask whether you seek escape from responsibility or a calmer, clearer heart; choose the latter.
- Practice small acts (household tasks, work duties) without expecting reward to train yourself in non-attachment.
Reflection Question
Am I avoiding duties to escape discomfort, or am I changing how I relate to the results of my actions?