Liberation and Renunciation - 18 - 02

The Shloka

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श्रीभगवानुवाच ।

काम्यानां कर्मणां न्यासं संन्यासं कवयो विदुः ।

सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं प्राहुस्त्यागं विचक्षणाः ॥

———

śrī bhagavān uvāca ।

kāmyānāṁ karmaṇāṁ nyāsaṁ sannyāsaṁ kavayo viduḥ ।

sarva karma phala tyāgaṁ prāhus tyāgaṁ vicakṣaṇāḥ ॥

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Meaning / Summary

This shloka clarifies the subtle distinction between two important concepts in spiritual practice: Sannyasa and Tyaga. It emphasizes that true renunciation isn’t just about abandoning actions but also about detaching oneself from the results of those actions. It lays the foundation for understanding selfless action and Karma Yoga.

The learned understand renunciation (Sannyasa) to be the giving up of actions motivated by desire. The wise declare the abandonment of the fruit of all actions to be relinquishment (Tyaga).

Lord Krishna explains the difference between Sannyasa (renunciation) and Tyaga (relinquishment). Sannyasa is the abandonment of actions driven by desire, while Tyaga is the abandonment of attachment to the fruits of all actions.

The wise and learned define renunciation (Sannyasa) as the complete abandonment of activities driven by personal desires and selfish motives. True relinquishment (Tyaga), according to the insightful, is the act of giving up all attachment to the results or rewards of one’s actions, performing them without any expectation of personal gain.

Sentence - 1

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श्रीभगवानुवाच ।

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Meaning

The Supreme Lord said:

Meaning of Words

श्री	śrī
The Supreme Implies auspiciousness, prosperity, glory, and beauty. Here, it precedes ‘Bhagavan’ as an honorific.
भगवान्	bhagavān
Lord Bhagavan refers to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, possessing all opulences, strength, fame, beauty, knowledge, and renunciation to the fullest extent. It is a term of reverence and indicates the ultimate authority.
उवाच	uvāca	Said

Sentence - 2

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काम्यानां कर्मणां न्यासं संन्यासं कवयो विदुः ।

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Meaning

The wise understand renunciation (Sannyasa) to be the giving up of actions motivated by desire.

Meaning of Words

काम्यानां	kāmyānāṁ
Of actions motivated by desire Relating to actions performed with a specific desire or expectation of a certain outcome or reward. It signifies actions driven by selfish motives and attachments.
कर्मणां	karmaṇāṁ
Of actions Refers to all kinds of activities and deeds performed by individuals.
न्यासं	nyāsaṁ
Giving up Denotes the act of abandoning, renouncing, or relinquishing something. It implies a deliberate and conscious decision to let go.
संन्यासं	sannyāsaṁ
Renunciation A state of complete detachment from worldly affairs, characterized by the abandonment of all material desires and attachments. It often involves adopting a monastic lifestyle.
कवयो	kavayo
The learned Those who possess knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. It refers to scholars, philosophers, and individuals who have attained enlightenment.
विदुः	viduḥ
Know To understand, realize, or perceive something through knowledge or experience.

Sentence - 3

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सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं प्राहुस्त्यागं विचक्षणाः ॥

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Meaning

The wise declare the abandonment of the fruit of all actions to be relinquishment (Tyaga).

Meaning of Words

सर्वकर्मफल	sarva karma phala
Of the fruit of all actions sarva means all, karma means action, phala means fruit or result. This refers to the results or outcomes of all actions performed.
त्यागं	tyāgaṁ
Abandonment The act of giving up, relinquishing, or forsaking something. It implies a deliberate and conscious choice to let go of attachment.
प्राहुः	prāhuḥ
Declare To say, speak, or proclaim something. It implies an assertion or statement made with authority.
विचक्षणाः	vicakṣaṇāḥ
The wise Those who possess wisdom, insight, and discernment. It refers to individuals who are intelligent, perceptive, and capable of making sound judgments.

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