Chapter 18 Verse 4
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
निश्चयं श्रृणु मे तत्र त्यागे भरतसत्तम।त्यागो हि पुरुषव्याघ्र त्रिविधः संप्रकीर्तितः।।18.4।।
niśhchayaṁ śhṛiṇu me tatra tyāge bharata-sattama tyāgo hi puruṣha-vyāghra tri-vidhaḥ samprakīrtitaḥ
Word Meanings
| niśhchayam | conclusion |
| śhṛiṇu | hear |
| me | my |
| tatra | there |
| tyāge | about renunciation of desires for enjoying the fruits of actions |
| bharata-sat-tama | best of the Bharatas |
| tyāgaḥ | renunciation of desires for enjoying the fruits of actions |
| hi | indeed |
| puruṣha-vyāghra | tiger amongst men |
| tri-vidhaḥ | of three kinds |
| samprakīrtitaḥ | declared |
Translation
Hear from Me the conclusion or the final truth about this abandonment, O best of the Bharatas; abandonment, indeed, O best of men, has been declared to be of three kinds.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Here Krishna tells Arjuna to listen to the final truth about renunciation: it is not a single act but comes in three forms. That means giving up is not always the same — the inner reason and the way you let go matter.
This teaching points to a simple spiritual test: true renunciation frees you from craving while you still act; other forms either hide attachment or come from ignorance. Knowing this helps you choose a path that leads to peace rather than confusion or harm.
Life Application
- Before abandoning a task, check your motive: are you escaping attachment or avoiding responsibility?
- Practice acting without clinging to results — do your duty, but let go of the need for a specific outcome.
- Avoid quitting out of laziness or resentment; seek calm inner clarity before making big changes.
Reflection Question
Am I letting go from wisdom and freedom, or from fear and avoidance?