अध्याय १८ - मोक्षसंन्यासयोग
Chapter 18 - Mokṣa Saṃnyāsa Yoga
Conclusion-The Perfection of Renunciation
Arjuna requests the Lord to explain the difference between the two types of renunciations - Saṃnyāsa (renunciation of actions) and Tyāga (renunciation of desires). Kṛṣṇa explains that a Saṃnyāsi is one who abandons family and society in order to practise spiritual discipline whereas a Tyāgai is one who performs their duties without attachment to the rewards of their actions and dedicating them to the God. Kṛṣṇa recommends the second kind of renunciation - Tyāga. Kṛṣṇa then gives a detailed analysis of the effects of the three modes of material nature. He declares that the highest path of spirituality is pure, unconditional loving service unto the Supreme Divine Personality, Kṛṣṇa. If we always remember Him, keep chanting His name and dedicate all our actions unto Him, take refuge in Him and make Him our Supreme goal, then by His grace, we will surely overcome all obstacles and difficulties and be freed from this cycle of birth and death.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 1
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक १
Arjuna said: O mighty-armed one, I wish to understand the purpose of renunciation [tyāga] and of the renounced order of life [sannyāsa], O killer of the Keśī demon, master of the senses.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 2
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: The giving up of activities that are based on material desire is what great learned men call the renounced order of life [sannyāsa]. And giving up the results of all activities is what the wise call renunciation [tyāga].
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Chapter 18 - Verse 3
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३
Some learned men declare that all kinds of fruitive activities should be given up as faulty, yet other sages maintain that acts of sacrifice, charity and penance should never be abandoned.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 4
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४
O best of the Bhāratas, now hear My judgment about renunciation. O tiger among men, renunciation is declared in the scriptures to be of three kinds.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 5
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ५
Acts of sacrifice, charity and penance are not to be given up; they must be performed. Indeed, sacrifice, charity and penance purify even the great souls.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 6
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६
All these activities should be performed without attachment or any expectation of result. They should be performed as a matter of duty, O son of Pṛthā. That is My final opinion.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 7
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ७
Prescribed duties should never be renounced. If one gives up his prescribed duties because of illusion, such renunciation is said to be in the mode of ignorance.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 8
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ८
Anyone who gives up prescribed duties as troublesome or out of fear of bodily discomfort is said to have renounced in the mode of passion. Such action never leads to the elevation of renunciation.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 9
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ९
O Arjuna, when one performs his prescribed duty only because it ought to be done, and renounces all material association and all attachment to the fruit, his renunciation is said to be in the mode of goodness.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 10
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक १०
The intelligent renouncer situated in the mode of goodness, neither hateful of inauspicious work nor attached to auspicious work, has no doubts about work.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 11
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ११
It is indeed impossible for an embodied being to give up all activities. But he who renounces the fruits of action is called one who has truly renounced.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 12
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक १२
For one who is not renounced, the threefold fruits of action – desirable, undesirable and mixed – accrue after death. But those who are in the renounced order of life have no such result to suffer or enjoy.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 13
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक १३
O mighty-armed Arjuna, according to the Vedānta there are five causes for the accomplishment of all action. Now learn of these from Me.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 14
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक १४
The place of action [the body], the performer, the various senses, the many different kinds of endeavor, and ultimately the Supersoul – these are the five factors of action.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 15
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक १५
Whatever right or wrong action a man performs by body, mind or speech is caused by these five factors.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 16
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक १६
Therefore one who thinks himself the only doer, not considering the five factors, is certainly not very intelligent and cannot see things as they are.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 17
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक १७
One who is not motivated by false ego, whose intelligence is not entangled, though he kills men in this world, does not kill. Nor is he bound by his actions.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 18
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक १८
Knowledge, the object of knowledge, and the knower are the three factors that motivate action; the senses, the work and the doer are the three constituents of action.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 19
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक १९
According to the three different modes of material nature, there are three kinds of knowledge, action and performer of action. Now hear of them from Me.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 20
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २०
That knowledge by which one undivided spiritual nature is seen in all living entities, though they are divided into innumerable forms, you should understand to be in the mode of goodness.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 21
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २१
That knowledge by which one sees that in every different body there is a different type of living entity you should understand to be in the mode of passion.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 22
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २२
And that knowledge by which one is attached to one kind of work as the all in all, without knowledge of the truth, and which is very meager, is said to be in the mode of darkness.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 23
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २३
That action which is regulated and which is performed without attachment, without love or hatred, and without desire for fruitive results is said to be in the mode of goodness.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 24
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २४
But action performed with great effort by one seeking to gratify his desires, and enacted from a sense of false ego, is called action in the mode of passion.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 25
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २५
That action performed in illusion, in disregard of scriptural injunctions, and without concern for future bondage or for violence or distress caused to others is said to be in the mode of ignorance.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 26
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २६
One who performs his duty without association with the modes of material nature, without false ego, with great determination and enthusiasm, and without wavering in success or failure is said to be a worker in the mode of goodness.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 27
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २७
The worker who is attached to work and the fruits of work, desiring to enjoy those fruits, and who is greedy, always envious, impure, and moved by joy and sorrow, is said to be in the mode of passion.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 28
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २८
The worker who is always engaged in work against the injunctions of the scripture, who is materialistic, obstinate, cheating and expert in insulting others, and who is lazy, always morose and procrastinating is said to be a worker in the mode of ignorance.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 29
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक २९
O winner of wealth, now please listen as I tell you in detail of the different kinds of understanding and determination, according to the three modes of material nature.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 30
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३०
O son of Pṛthā, that understanding by which one knows what ought to be done and what ought not to be done, what is to be feared and what is not to be feared, what is binding and what is liberating, is in the mode of goodness.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 31
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३१
O son of Pṛthā, that understanding which cannot distinguish between religion and irreligion, between action that should be done and action that should not be done, is in the mode of passion.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 32
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३२
That understanding which considers irreligion to be religion and religion to be irreligion, under the spell of illusion and darkness, and strives always in the wrong direction, O Pārtha, is in the mode of ignorance.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 33
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३३
O son of Pṛthā, that determination which is unbreakable, which is sustained with steadfastness by yoga practice, and which thus controls the activities of the mind, life and senses is determination in the mode of goodness.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 34
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३४
But that determination by which one holds fast to fruitive results in religion, economic development and sense gratification is of the nature of passion, O Arjuna.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 35
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३५
And that determination which cannot go beyond dreaming, fearfulness, lamentation, moroseness and illusion – such unintelligent determination, O son of Pṛthā, is in the mode of darkness.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 36
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३६
O best of the Bhāratas, now please hear from Me about the three kinds of happiness by which the conditioned soul enjoys, and by which he sometimes comes to the end of all distress.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 37
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३७
That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 38
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३८
That happiness which is derived from contact of the senses with their objects and which appears like nectar at first but poison at the end is said to be of the nature of passion.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 39
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ३९
And that happiness which is blind to self-realization, which is delusion from beginning to end and which arises from sleep, laziness and illusion is said to be of the nature of ignorance.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 40
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४०
There is no being existing, either here or among the demigods in the higher planetary systems, which is freed from these three modes born of material nature.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 41
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४१
Brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas and śūdras are distinguished by the qualities born of their own natures in accordance with the material modes, O chastiser of the enemy.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 42
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४२
Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness – these are the natural qualities by which the brāhmaṇas work.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 43
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४३
Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of work for the kṣatriyas.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 44
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४४
Farming, cow protection and business are the natural work for the vaiśyas, and for the śūdras there are labor and service to others.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 45
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४५
By following his qualities of work, every man can become perfect. Now please hear from Me how this can be done.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 46
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४६
By worship of the Lord, who is the source of all beings and who is all-pervading, a man can attain perfection through performing his own work.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 47
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४७
It is better to engage in one’s own occupation, even though one may perform it imperfectly, than to accept another’s occupation and perform it perfectly. Duties prescribed according to one’s nature are never affected by sinful reactions.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 48
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४८
Every endeavor is covered by some fault, just as fire is covered by smoke. Therefore one should not give up the work born of his nature, O son of Kuntī, even if such work is full of fault.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 49
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ४९
One who is self-controlled and unattached and who disregards all material enjoyments can obtain, by practice of renunciation, the highest perfect stage of freedom from reaction.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 50
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ५०
O son of Kuntī, learn from Me how one who has achieved this perfection can attain to the supreme perfectional stage, Brahman, the stage of highest knowledge, by acting in the way I shall now summarize.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 51-53
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ५१-५३
Being purified by his intelligence and controlling the mind with determination, giving up the objects of sense gratification, being freed from attachment and hatred, one who lives in a secluded place, who eats little, who controls his body, mind and power of speech, who is always in trance and who is detached, free from false ego, false strength, false pride, lust, anger, and acceptance of material things, free from false proprietorship, and peaceful – such a person is certainly elevated to the position of self-realization.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 54
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ५४
One who is thus transcendentally situated at once realizes the Supreme Brahman and becomes fully joyful. He never laments or desires to have anything. He is equally disposed toward every living entity. In that state he attains pure devotional service unto Me.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 55
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ५५
One can understand Me as I am, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of Me by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 56
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ५६
Though engaged in all kinds of activities, My pure devotee, under My protection, reaches the eternal and imperishable abode by My grace.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 57
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ५७
In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My protection. In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 58
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ५८
If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditioned life by My grace. If, however, you do not work in such consciousness but act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 59
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ५९
If you do not act according to My direction and do not fight, then you will be falsely directed. By your nature, you will have to be engaged in warfare.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 60
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६०
Under illusion you are now declining to act according to My direction. But, compelled by the work born of your own nature, you will act all the same, O son of Kuntī.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 61
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६१
The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone’s heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 62
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६२
O scion of Bharata, surrender unto Him utterly. By His grace you will attain transcendental peace and the supreme and eternal abode.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 63
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६३
Thus I have explained to you knowledge still more confidential. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 64
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६४
Because you are My very dear friend, I am speaking to you My supreme instruction, the most confidential knowledge of all. Hear this from Me, for it is for your benefit.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 65
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६५
Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 66
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६६
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 67
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६७
This confidential knowledge may never be explained to those who are not austere, or devoted, or engaged in devotional service, nor to one who is envious of Me.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 68
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६८
For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 69
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ६९
There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 70
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ७०
And I declare that he who studies this sacred conversation of ours worships Me by his intelligence.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 71
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ७१
And one who listens with faith and without envy becomes free from sinful reactions and attains to the auspicious planets where the pious dwell.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 72
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ७२
O son of Pṛthā, O conqueror of wealth, have you heard this with an attentive mind? And are your ignorance and illusions now dispelled?
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Chapter 18 - Verse 73
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ७३
Arjuna said: My dear Kṛṣṇa, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 74
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ७४
Sañjaya said: Thus have I heard the conversation of two great souls, Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna. And so wonderful is that message that my hair is standing on end.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 75
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ७५
By the mercy of Vyāsa, I have heard these most confidential talks directly from the master of all mysticism, Kṛṣṇa, who was speaking personally to Arjuna.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 76
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ७६
O King, as I repeatedly recall this wondrous and holy dialogue between Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna, I take pleasure, being thrilled at every moment.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 77
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ७७
O King, as I remember the wonderful form of Lord Kṛṣṇa, I am struck with wonder more and more, and I rejoice again and again.
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Chapter 18 - Verse 78
अध्याय १८ - श्लोक ७८
Wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.