Srimad Bhagavat Gita commentary chapter 18 verse 7

 Chapter 18 verse 7               

“Prescribed duties should never be renounced. Such deluded renunciation is said to be in the mode of ignorance.” 

There are several people in India who give up a tough life and become a renunciate. More often than not, they become fringe elements in society, drug addicts and drag on the resources of the society as glorified beggars and parasites. This is not the concept of renunciation prescribed by Bhagwan. There is a reason why each of us souls has been provided the life we have been given. To act diligently our prescribed duties and exhaust our vasanas and develop invaluable learning of the eternal aspects of love, compassion, charity, penance, truth and non-violence etc. Renouncing prescribed duties just because it is hard is the highest form of ignorance.

Srimad Bhagavat Gita commentary chapter 18 verse 6

 Chapter 18 verse 6               

“These activities must be performed without attachment and expectation for rewards. This is my definite and supreme verdict, O Arjuna.” 

Sacrifice or other pious actions, charity and austerities/penance needs to be done with no intent on particular results or desire of obtaining something in return- recognition, fame, praise, even good merit. Bhagwan states this as a dictum and strong opinion! Even though Bhagwan knows that this is the absolute truth of how the universal laws work and how laws of karma work, he still states it as his “matam” or opinion. The real leader of men will always lead by example and here Bhagwan’s humility is for everyone to notice and follow.

Srimad Bhagavat Gita commentary chapter 18 verse 4-5

 Chapter 18 verse 4-5               

“Now hear my conclusion on the subject of renunciation, O tiger amongst men, for renunciation has been declared to be of three kinds. Actions based upon sacrifice, charity, and penance should never be abandoned; they must certainly be performed. Indeed, acts of sacrifice, charity, and penance are purifying even for those who are wise.” 

Bhagwan calls Arjuna tiger among men. He calls him that since he declares that only the truly brave person is about to perform actions without desire of particular results. These desire less actions are ultimate acts of bravery of the human spirit. As discussed in chapter 17, Bhagwan confirms that noble acts such as sacrifice, charity and penance should never be abandoned. These actions should however be done in a wise manner with pure intention in order to gain the appropriate merit.

Srimad Bhagavat Gita commentary chapter 18 verse 3

 Chapter 18 verse 3               

“Some learned people declare that all kinds of actions should be given up as evil, while others maintain that acts of sacrifice, charity, and penance should never be abandoned.” 

Bhagwan Sri Krishna plays the role of the ideal teacher who doesn’t take sides initially, presents multiple views and provides reason why a particular view is recommended. In this verse, he presents two philosophies related to action- the sankhya philosophy prevalent during the dwapara yuga times of Sri Krishna says that all action could have unintended consequences and therefore detest from all actions. On the other hand, the Vedic scriptures ask us to perform sacrifices, charity and austerities all the time. Which advise or opinion should be followed? Adi Shankara would have said follow the Vedas and so did Kanchi Mahaperiyava and my Guruji as well. When in doubt, follow the scriptures. We shall see what Bhagwan Sri Krishna’s advice would be.

Srimad Bhagavat Gita commentary chapter 18 verse 2

 Chapter 18 verse 2               

“Bhagwan Sri Krishna said: Giving up of actions motivated by desire is what the wise understand as sanyāsa. Relinquishing the fruits of all actions is what the learned declare to be tyāga.” 

“Sanyāsa” is not complete cessation of actions. People who renounce the world still do daily actions to sustain their body, mind, intellect constitution. None of their actions are driven by desire of particular results. On the other hand, “tyāga” is the action of giving up desire laden actions completely. For one to follow the path of tyāga, one doesn’t need to renounce the world, family and worldly order but live in this world like a tortoise which withdraws its limbs into their shell.

Srimad Bhagavat Gita commentary chapter 18 verse 1

 Chapter 18 verse 1               

“Arjuna said: O mighty-armed Krishna, I wish to understand the nature of sanyāsa (renunciation of actions) and tyāga (renunciation of the desire for the fruits of actions). O Hrishikesha, I also wish to know the distinction between the two, O Keshinisudan.” 

We arrive at the final chapter of this discourse of Bhagwan Sri Krishna with Arjuna. In this chapter, he confirms, summarizes all the concepts shared with Arjuna so far just like a good teacher would ensure understanding of the student of the lessons taught. Arjuna being a good student wants to learn everything and clear all his doubts. He now wants to know the distinction between different forms of renunciation- Renunciation of actions in total called sanyāsa and the renunciation of desire for the fruits of actions- tyāga. Arjuna refers to Krishna by two names- Hrishikesha- the controller of the senses and Keshinisudan- Slayer of demon Keshi who took the form of a wild horse and caused havoc among people. Keshinisudan also means, the one who controls unbridled desires as a metaphor of a wild horse of desires running amok in life. This reference to Krishna’s names is not coincidental but has poetic and spiritual significance being uttered in this verse where Arjuna is asking a very important question.

 

Srimad Bhagavat Gita commentary chapter 17 verse 28

 Chapter 17 verse 28 

“O son of Pritha, whatever acts of sacrifice or penance are done without faith, are termed as “Asat.” They are useless both in this world and the next.” 

To summarize chapter 17, Bhagwan Sri Krishna says that faith and attitude goes a long way in determining the appropriate fruits of every action. Every done with right attitude of surrender to the Divine is considered appropriate action. Anything done with passion or ignorance is considered “Asat”. They don’t gain any merit in this life or any future lives as well.