Chapter 18 Verse 59
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
यदहङ्कारमाश्रित्य न योत्स्य इति मन्यसे।मिथ्यैष व्यवसायस्ते प्रकृतिस्त्वां नियोक्ष्यति।।18.59।।
yad ahankāram āśhritya na yotsya iti manyase mithyaiṣha vyavasāyas te prakṛitis tvāṁ niyokṣhyati
Word Meanings
| yat | if |
| ahankāram | motivated by pride |
| āśhritya | taking shelter |
| na yotsye | I shall not fight |
| iti | thus |
| manyase | you think |
| mithyā eṣhaḥ | this is all false |
| vyavasāyaḥ | determination |
| te | your |
| prakṛitiḥ | material nature |
| tvām | you |
| niyokṣhyati | will engage |
Translation
If, filled with egoism, thou thinkest, "I will not fight," then thy resolve is vain; nature will compel thee.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse warns that saying "I will not act" out of pride is self-deception. When you make a firm decision from ego, it is often weak and unreliable. True resolve must come from clear understanding, not from wanting to feel superior.
It also says our inner nature (prakṛti) — habits, instincts, and conditioning — will steer us unless we truly change ourselves. Pride does not change those inner forces; it only covers them. Real freedom requires humility and steady practice, not loud declarations.
Life Application
- Before making a firm decision, check your motive: is it humility and clarity, or pride and show? Act only when your intent is honest.
- Build small daily habits that change your nature (practice, discipline, repeated right action) instead of relying on dramatic statements of will.
- When you feel pulled by old habits, respond with quiet effort and honest self-observation rather than blaming or boasting.
Reflection Question
Is my current choice coming from honest conviction or from a need to appear strong?