Chapter 18 Verse 3
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
त्याज्यं दोषवदित्येके कर्म प्राहुर्मनीषिणः। यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यमिति चापरे।।18.3।।
tyājyaṁ doṣha-vad ity eke karma prāhur manīṣhiṇaḥ yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-karma na tyājyam iti chāpare
Word Meanings
| tyājyam | should be given up |
| doṣha-vat | as evil |
| iti | thus |
| eke | some |
| karma | actions |
| prāhuḥ | declare |
| manīṣhiṇaḥ | the learned |
| yajña | sacrifice |
| dāna | charity |
| tapaḥ | penance |
| karma | acts |
| na | never |
| tyājyam | should be abandoned |
| iti | thus |
| cha | and |
| apare | others |
Translation
Some philosophers declare that actions should be abandoned as evil; while others declare that acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity should not be relinquished.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse points out two opposing views about action. Some wise people say all action should be given up because action brings faults and binds the soul. Others insist that certain actions—sacrifice, charity, and self-discipline—must not be abandoned because they purify and uplift.
Philosophically, the verse invites us to see the difference between abandoning action out of avoidance and keeping actions that lead to growth. True spiritual progress is not about doing nothing; it is about doing the right actions without selfish desire.
The deeper lesson is to keep active practices that build kindness, discipline, and devotion, while letting go of attachment, ego, and harmful motives that make actions binding.
Life Application
- Continue simple practices like giving time or money to help others, keeping a daily discipline, and offering your actions for a higher purpose.
- Do your work and duties but release the need for praise or reward; focus on honest effort rather than outcomes.
- When you feel stuck, choose actions that benefit others and refine your character rather than seeking comfort or avoiding responsibility.
Reflection Question
Am I avoiding action to escape responsibility, or am I acting without attachment to results?