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18

CHAPTER 

VERSE

4

निश्चयं शृणु मे तत्र त्यागे भरतसत्तम |
त्यागो हि पुरुषव्याघ्र त्रिविध: सम्प्रकीर्तित: || 18.4 ||

Niśchayaṁ śṛṇu me tatra tyāge bharatasattama |
Tyāgo hi puruṣavyāghra trividhaḥ samprakīrtitaḥ ||

Listen to Me again, O best of the Bharatas, about the three kinds of tyaga (renunciation), declared in the scriptures as the giving up of desires, wealth, and actions.

Lesson:

Krishna addresses Arjuna as the best of the Bharatas (bharatasattama) and imparts further instruction regarding the concept of renunciation (tyaga). Krishna instructs Arjuna to listen attentively as he explains the threefold nature of renunciation described in the scriptures.

The term "tyaga" refers to renunciation or relinquishment. Krishna explains that renunciation manifests in three distinct forms, each with its unique significance and implications. These forms of renunciation are based on giving up desires (kamya tyaga), wealth (artha tyaga), and actions (karma tyaga).

Krishna underscores the importance of understanding the nature of renunciation in spiritual life. Renunciation is not merely about renouncing external possessions or actions but involves a deeper transformation of the mind and heart. It requires letting go of attachment to desires, material possessions, and the fruits of actions, thereby attaining inner freedom and liberation from the bondage of the ego.

The first type of renunciation mentioned by Krishna is the renunciation of desires (kamya tyaga). This involves relinquishing attachment to worldly desires and cravings, recognizing their transient and illusory nature. By renouncing desires, individuals attain mental clarity, inner peace, and spiritual peace, paving the way for self-realization.

The second form of renunciation is the renunciation of wealth (artha tyaga). This entails letting go of attachment to material possessions and wealth, understanding that true wealth lies in spiritual virtues and inner contentment. By relinquishing attachment to wealth, individuals cultivate a spirit of detachment and generosity, leading to spiritual progress and enlightenment.

The third type of renunciation described by Krishna is the renunciation of actions (karma tyaga). This involves performing actions selflessly, without attachment to the fruits or outcomes. By offering all actions to the divine and surrendering the egoistic sense of doership, individuals transcend the bondage of karma and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita elucidates the threefold nature of renunciation as described in the scriptures. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a spirit of detachment, selflessness, and surrender in spiritual life. Through renunciation, individuals free themselves from the shackles of worldly attachments and ego, realizing their true nature as eternal spiritual beings.

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