Chapter 18 Verse 10
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
न द्वेष्ट्यकुशलं कर्म कुशले नानुषज्जते।त्यागी सत्त्वसमाविष्टो मेधावी छिन्नसंशयः।।18.10।।
na dveṣhṭy akuśhalaṁ karma kuśhale nānuṣhajjate tyāgī sattva-samāviṣhṭo medhāvī chhinna-sanśhayaḥ
Word Meanings
| na | neither |
| dveṣhṭi | hate |
| akuśhalam | disagreeable |
| karma | work |
| kuśhale | to an agreeable |
| na | nor |
| anuṣhajjate | seek |
| tyāgī | one who renounces desires for enjoying the fruits of actions |
| sattva | in the mode of goodness |
| samāviṣhṭaḥ | endowed with |
| medhāvī | intelligent |
| chhinna-sanśhayaḥ | those who have no doubts |
Translation
The man of renunciation, pervaded by purity, intelligent, and with his doubts cut asunder, does not hate an unpleasant task nor is he attached to a pleasant one.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
A true renouncer is steady and pure-minded. He or she does not let like or dislike decide what to do. Pleasant tasks are not clung to, and unpleasant ones are not avoided.
This balance comes from clear understanding and freedom from doubts. When the mind is calm and wise, action is done for its rightness, not for reward or comfort.
Such steadiness frees a person from being a slave to moods. It makes work honest and peaceful, and brings inner freedom in daily life.
Life Application
- When faced with a task you dislike, do it without resentment; focus on doing it well rather than on how it feels.
- When you enjoy a task, do it without grasping for praise or reward; let satisfaction be its own result.
- Build clarity by pausing before action: ask, “Why am I doing this?” and choose from duty and wisdom, not from craving or aversion.
Reflection Question
Am I acting from calm clarity or from my likes and dislikes right now?