Chapter 18 Verse 8
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
दुःखमित्येव यत्कर्म कायक्लेशभयात्त्यजेत्।स कृत्वा राजसं त्यागं नैव त्यागफलं लभेत्।।18.8।।
duḥkham ity eva yat karma kāya-kleśha-bhayāt tyajet sa kṛitvā rājasaṁ tyāgaṁ naiva tyāga-phalaṁ labhet
Word Meanings
| duḥkham | troublesome |
| iti | as |
| eva | indeed |
| yat | which |
| karma | duties |
| kāya | bodily |
| kleśha | discomfort |
| bhayāt | out of fear |
| tyajet | giving up |
| saḥ | they |
| kṛitvā | having done |
| rājasam | in the mode of passion |
| tyāgam | renunciation of desires for enjoying the fruits of actions |
| na | never |
| eva | certainly |
| tyāga | renunciation of desires for enjoying the fruits of actions |
| phalam | result |
| labhet | attain |
Translation
He who abandons action out of fear of bodily trouble (because it is painful), does not obtain the merit of renunciation by performing such Rajasic renunciation.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
If you give up your duties just because they cause physical pain or fear, that is not true renunciation. The verse says abandoning action from fear or aversion is a rajasic (passion-driven) withdrawal and brings no spiritual benefit.
True renunciation is inner: doing what is right without clinging to results, not escaping when things get uncomfortable. Spiritual growth comes from steady action with the right attitude, not from running away from difficulty.
So the lesson is to examine your motive. Let go of attachment to outcomes, but keep carrying out responsibilities with calmness and courage.
Life Application
- When a task feels painful or scary, ask whether you are avoiding it or responsibly postponing it; choose steady action over avoidance.
- Do your work with honest effort, but practice letting go of expectations about the result.
- Build tolerance for small discomforts (short, regular steps) to strengthen inner steadiness without withdrawing from life.
Reflection Question
Which important task am I avoiding because it feels uncomfortable, and what small step can I take toward it today?