arjuna uvaca: sannyasasya maha-baho tattvamicchhami veditum tyagasya ca hrishikesa prithak keshi-nisudana
Arjuna asks Krishna to explain the difference between sannyasa (renunciation of action) and tyaga (renunciation of the fruits of action). This opening question sets the stage for the final chapter's comprehensive teaching on liberation.
- •Arjuna sincerely seeks clarity on two distinct paths of renunciation
- •The distinction between sannyasa and tyaga is philosophically significant
- •Genuine inquiry is the gateway to spiritual wisdom
sri bhagavan uvaca: kamyanam karmanam nyasam sannyasam kavayo viduh sarva-karma-phala-tyagam prahus tyagam vicaksanah
Krishna explains that the wise define sannyasa as the giving up of desire-motivated actions, while tyaga is defined by the learned as the abandonment of the fruits of all actions. Both concepts point toward freedom from ego-driven motivation.
- •Sannyasa means relinquishing actions born of selfish desire
- •Tyaga means giving up attachment to the fruits of all actions
- •True renunciation is an inner orientation, not merely outward withdrawal
niscayam srinu me tatra tyage bharata-sattama tyago hi purusa-vyaghra tri-vidhah samprakirtitah
Krishna tells Arjuna to hear his definitive conclusion on the matter of tyaga, for renunciation itself is of three kinds. By classifying tyaga according to the three gunas, Krishna provides a precise framework for understanding right renunciation.
- •Krishna's teaching on tyaga is definitive, not speculative
- •Renunciation is threefold corresponding to the three gunas
- •Clarity on right renunciation is essential for spiritual progress