Chapter 18, Verse 11 (Bhagavad Gita 18.11)
Chapter 18: Mokṣha Sanyās Yog – Yoga through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender
Sanskrit Shloka
न हि देहभृता शक्यं त्यक्तुं कर्माण्यशेषतः।यस्तु कर्मफलत्यागी स त्यागीत्यभिधीयते
Transliteration
na hi deha-bhṛitā śhakyaṁ tyaktuṁ karmāṇy aśheṣhataḥ yas tu karma-phala-tyāgī sa tyāgīty abhidhīyate
Word Meanings
na—not; hi—indeed; deha-bhṛitā—for the embodied being; śhakyam—possible; tyaktum—to give up; karmāṇi—activities; aśheṣhataḥ—entirely; yaḥ—who; tu—but; karma-phala—fruits of actions; tyāgī—one who renounces all desires for enjoying the fruits of actions; saḥ—they; tyāgī—one who renounces all desires for enjoying the fruits of actions; iti—as; abhidhīyate—are said
Translation
It is indeed impossible for one who possesses a body to relinquish all actions completely; however, he who renounces the fruits of his actions is regarded as one who has attained true renunciation.
Meaning & Commentary
In this profound instruction, Lord Krishna reveals to Arjuna the essential nature of embodied existence, explaining that life itself is a constant flow of activity. Shri Krishna teaches that true renunciation is not found in the external abandonment of duty, but in the internal detachment from the results of one’s work. By offering the fruits of all labor unto the Supreme Lord Krishna, the seeker transcends the bondage of karma. This shift in consciousness transforms every action into an act of devotion, leading the soul toward liberation. Ultimately, Bhagwan Shri Krishna invites us to remain active in the world while keeping our hearts fixed solely upon His divine lotus feet.