A core teaching · reflective in mood · a little context helps
“Renunciation means releasing both craving and attachment to results.”
The wise call renunciation the giving up of desire-born actions. The discerning call renunciation the giving up of all results of action.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallythe Blessed Lord said · of desire-born · actions · giving up · renunciation · the wise · know · giving up all fruits of action · they call · renunciation · the discerning
Wise people define renunciation in two ways: giving up actions driven by desire, and giving up attachment to all results of action.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Moksha Sanyasa Yoga" (Liberation through Renunciation).
Verse 2 sits in Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita — Moksha Sanyasa Yoga, "Liberation through Renunciation". The chapter has 78 verses in total.
You send the hard message, hit submit, and then keep checking for approval. This verse cuts that loop: do the work, then release the grip on what comes back.
Did you like this verse?
It shifts the mind from controlling outcomes to releasing attachment while still acting.
What this verse means
Wise people define renunciation in two ways: giving up actions driven by desire, and giving up attachment to all results of action.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield at Kurukshetra, Arjuna asks Krishna to separate renunciation from giving up action. Krishna answers by defining both terms carefully, because Arjuna needs a clear way to act without inner bondage.
Why this verse still matters
You send the hard message, hit submit, and then keep checking for approval. This verse cuts that loop: do the work, then release the grip on what comes back.
“Freedom begins when you stop clinging to what action might bring you.”
Explore related themes: nishkama (14 verses), tyaga (14 verses), sannyasa (12 verses)