Chapter 18 Verse 2

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 to be tyaga."

Core Meaning

The verse draws a clear line between two kinds of renunciation. Some people think sannyasa means stopping actions, but the deeper meaning is giving up actions that are driven by personal desire. The truly wise call tyaga the inner letting go of attachment to the results of all actions.

In other words, outer withdrawal is not true freedom. Real freedom comes when you act without clutching at the fruit of your effort. You remain engaged in life but are not emotionally bound by success or failure.

Spiritually, this teaches that peace comes from releasing the need to control outcomes. When you work with right intention and without craving, your actions become purer and more effective, and you grow inwardly.

Life Application

• Before you start a task, set a clear, honest intention, then release worry about the outcome. Focus on doing your best, not on guaranteed results.
• Notice your motives: if you act mainly for praise, money, or status, take a step back and choose service, responsibility, or duty instead.
• Practice small acts (helping, creating, learning) without seeking recognition; this trains the mind to be steady and less anxious.

Reflection Question

Do I act from true purpose and duty, or mainly for the rewards I expect?