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. Tap 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.
A farmer sows on time, weeds, and watches the sky like everyone else. Tyaga, as Krishna defines it here, would have him keep doing all of that while letting go of his claim on the harvest.
Did you like this verse?
Krishna gives two definitions: sannyasa drops desire-driven acts, tyaga drops the fruits of all acts.
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
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.
What it looks like today
A farmer sows on time, weeds, and watches the sky like everyone else. Tyaga, as Krishna defines it here, would have him keep doing all of that while letting go of his claim on the harvest.
“Freedom begins when you stop clinging to what action might bring you.”
Explore related themes: nishkama (14 verses), tyaga (14 verses), sannyasa (12 verses)