Chapter 18, Verse 2
श्रीभगवानुवाच | काम्यानां कर्मणां न्यासं सन्न्यासं कवयो विदु: | सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं प्राहुस्त्यागं विचक्षणा: ॥2॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca | kāmyānāṁ karmaṇāṁ nyāsaṁ sannyāsaṁ kavayo viduḥ | sarva-karma-phala-tyāgaṁ prāhus tyāgaṁ vicakṣaṇāḥ || 2 ||
"The Supreme Lord said: The giving up of activities that are based on material desire is called sannyāsa (renunciation) by the learned. And giving up the results of all activities is called tyāga (sacrifice) by the wise."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 18.2 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 18.2 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna clarifies the distinction between two pivotal concepts: Sannyāsa and Tyāga. 'Kavayaḥ' (the learned) define Sannyāsa as the external renunciation of 'Kāmya Karma'—actions performed specifically for material gain or personal gratification. On the other hand, 'Vichakṣhaṇāḥ' (the wise/discerning) emphasize Tyāga, which is the internal renunciation of the 'phala' or the fruits of all actions, whether they are daily duties or special rites. While Sannyāsa focuses on relinquishing the act, Tyāga focuses on relinquishing the attachment to the outcome, allowing one to remain active in the world without being bound by the laws of Karma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 18.2?
The Supreme Lord said: The giving up of activities that are based on material desire is called sannyāsa (renunciation) by the learned. And giving up the results of all activities is called tyāga (sacrifice) by the wise.