Chapter 18 Verse 11
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
न हि देहभृता शक्यं त्यक्तुं कर्माण्यशेषतः।यस्तु कर्मफलत्यागी स त्यागीत्यभिधीयते।।18.11।।
na hi deha-bhṛitā śhakyaṁ tyaktuṁ karmāṇy aśheṣhataḥ yas tu karma-phala-tyāgī sa tyāgīty abhidhīyate
Word Meanings
| na | not |
| hi | indeed |
| deha-bhṛitā | for the embodied being |
| śhakyam | possible |
| tyaktum | to give up |
| karmāṇi | activities |
| aśheṣhataḥ | entirely |
| yaḥ | who |
| tu | but |
| karma-phala | fruits of actions |
| tyāgī | one who renounces all desires for enjoying the fruits of actions |
| saḥ | they |
| tyāgī | one who renounces all desires for enjoying the fruits of actions |
| iti | as |
| abhidhīyate | are said |
Translation
Indeed, it is not possible for an embodied being to completely abandon actions; however, he who relinquishes the rewards of actions is truly called a man of renunciation.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
As long as we live in a body and mind, we must act — doing things for work, family, and survival. Completely stopping action is not realistic for an embodied person.
True renunciation is inner: it means giving up attachment to the results of our actions. When you act without clinging to praise, profit, or failure, you are genuinely practicing renunciation.
This attitude brings calm and freedom. Work becomes a form of service rather than a source of stress, and you stay steady whether things go well or not.
Life Application
- Do your tasks fully and honestly, but try not to judge your self-worth by the outcome. Focus on effort, not reward.
- Before starting something, set a simple intention like “I offer this” or “I do this for the good of others,” then let go of how it turns out.
- Practice one small action today (a phone call, a chore, a task at work) without seeking praise or checking for results; notice how that changes your mood.
Reflection Question
Which activity in my life would feel different if I did it without expecting any reward?