Chapter 18, Verse 2 (Bhagavad Gita 18.2)
Chapter 18: Mokṣha Sanyās Yog – Yoga through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender
Sanskrit Shloka
श्री भगवानुवाच काम्यानां कर्मणां न्यासं संन्यासं कवयो विदुः। सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं प्राहुस्त्यागं विचक्षणाः
Transliteration
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha kāmyānāṁ karmaṇāṁ nyāsaṁ sannyāsaṁ kavayo viduḥ sarva-karma-phala-tyāgaṁ prāhus tyāgaṁ vichakṣhaṇāḥ
Word Meanings
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha—the Supreme Divine Personality said; kāmyānām—desireful; karmaṇām—of actions; nyāsam—giving up; sanyāsam—renunciation of actions; kavayaḥ—the learned; viduḥ—to understand; sarva—all; karma-phala—fruits of actions; tyāgam—renunciation of desires for enjoying the fruits of actions; prāhuḥ—declare; tyāgam—renunciation of desires for enjoying the fruits of actions; vichakṣhaṇāḥ—the wise
Translation
Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, said: The learned know that the renunciation of desire-prompted actions is called sannyasa; whereas the wise declare that the abandonment of the fruits of all actions is known as tyaga.
Meaning & Commentary
In this profound instruction, Lord Krishna clarifies the distinction between two essential spiritual practices that lead to the purification of the heart. By defining sannyasa as the avoidance of actions motivated by selfish desire, the Lord guides the seeker away from worldly attachment. Simultaneously, He reveals that tyaga, or true renunciation, lies in performing one's duties while surrendering the results entirely unto Him. This supreme wisdom invites the soul to transform every action into an offering, thereby breaking the cycle of karma. Through this surrender, a devotee attains liberation, realizing that they are an instrument in the hands of the Divine.