Chapter 18 Verse 7
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
नियतस्य तु संन्यासः कर्मणो नोपपद्यते।मोहात्तस्य परित्यागस्तामसः परिकीर्तितः।।18.7।।
niyatasya tu sannyāsaḥ karmaṇo nopapadyate mohāt tasya parityāgas tāmasaḥ parikīrtitaḥ
Word Meanings
| niyatasya | of prescribed duties |
| tu | but |
| sanyāsaḥ | renunciation |
| karmaṇaḥ | actions |
| na | never |
| upapadyate | to be performed |
| mohāt | deluded |
| tasya | of that |
| parityāgaḥ | renunciation |
| tāmasaḥ | in the mode of ignorance |
| parikīrtitaḥ | has been declared |
Translation
Verily, the renunciation of obligatory action is not proper; the abandonment of the same out of delusion is declared to be Tamasic.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says you should not abandon your right duties simply because you want to stop working. Leaving responsibilities out of confusion, fear, or laziness is not true renunciation but ignorance (Tamasic behavior).
True spiritual renunciation means letting go of attachment to results while still doing what is right. Renouncing action as an escape from difficulty harms you and others; real freedom comes from acting with clarity and inner detachment.
Life Application
- Keep doing your everyday responsibilities (work, family, promises) even when it feels hard; check your motive before quitting.
- If you feel called to step back, decide calmly and responsibly — don’t flee out of anger, fear, or confusion.
- Practice doing tasks without clinging to outcomes: focus on effort and honesty, not only reward.
Reflection Question
Am I avoiding a duty because I am confused or afraid, or because it truly no longer fits my honest purpose?