Chapter 18 Verse 30
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च कार्याकार्ये भयाभये।बन्धं मोक्षं च या वेत्ति बुद्धिः सा पार्थ सात्त्विकी।।18.30।।
pravṛittiṁ cha nivṛittiṁ cha kāryākārye bhayābhaye bandhaṁ mokṣhaṁ cha yā vetti buddhiḥ sā pārtha sāttvikī
Word Meanings
| pravṛittim | activities |
| cha | and |
| nivṛittim | renuncation from action |
| cha | and |
| kārya | proper action |
| akārye | improper action |
| bhaya | fear |
| abhaye | without fear |
| bandham | what is binding |
| mokṣham | what is liberating |
| cha | and |
| yā | which |
| vetti | understands |
| buddhiḥ | intellect |
| sā | that |
| pārtha | son of Pritha |
| sāttvikī | in the nature of goodness |
Translation
The intellect which knows the path of work and renunciation, what should be done and what should not be done, fear and fearlessness, bondage and liberation—that intellect is Sattvic (pure), O Arjuna.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says a clear mind sees when to act and when to withdraw. True wisdom tells us what is right to do, what to avoid, and how fear or fearlessness affects our choices.
It also describes knowing what binds us and what frees us. An intellect that can tell the difference between attachment and freedom, and then choose accordingly, is called sattvic—calm, steady, and pure.
Life Application
- Pause before decisions: ask whether this choice brings long-term freedom or more attachment.
- Balance action and renunciation: do your duty without clinging to the result; step back when action causes harm or inner unrest.
- Build steady courage: practice small acts of letting go (time, opinions, outcomes) to reduce fear-driven choices.
Reflection Question
Does this choice bind you more, or does it move you toward freedom?