The Gita

Chapter 18 · Verse 49 of 78

The Yoga of Liberation through Renunciation

मोक्षसन्न्यासयोग

Meaning

Supreme God Krishna spoke

One who has no attachments left, has overcome worldly desires, and has developed self-control can attain the state of Naishkarmya Siddhi (the state of actionlessness) through renunciation (sannyāsa). (18:49)

Sanskrit

श्रीभगवान् उवाच

असक्तबुद्धिः सर्वत्र जितात्मा विगतस्पृहः ।

नैष्कर्म्यसिद्धिं परमां संन्यासेनाधिगच्छति॥

Word-by-word

असक्त-बुद्धिः सर्वत्र, जित-आत्मा विगत-स्पृहः;

नैष्कर्म्य-सिद्धिम् परमाम् सन्न्यासेन अधि-गच्छति।

Commentary

Naishkarmya Siddhi is the state where one practically does everything that must be done, and yet does “nothing.”

The term “renunciation” in this context refers to sannyāsa, which involves the act of withdrawing from worldly engagements and affairs. Sannyāsa typically entails retiring to a solitary place to wholeheartedly dedicate oneself to the pursuit of God and Self-realization.

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