234. Shedding Attachment

After elaborating on the four schools of thought on the subject of renunciation, Krishna says, "Now hear My conclusion on the subject of renunciation which is threefold" (18.4). From the subsequent verses, clarity comes that renunciation is of three types viz. Satva, Rajo and Tamo renunciation.

Krishna further says, "Actions based upon yagna (sacrifice), daan (charity), and tapah (penance) should never be abandoned; they must certainly be performed. Indeed, acts of yagna, daan and tapah sanctify even the wise (18.5). These activities must be performed without attachment and expectation for rewards. This is My definite and supreme verdict" (18.6).

At the level of ignorance, one keeps collecting material things, gathering power, fame and influence. Renunciation is the next stage. One might treat it as a barter like donating to get fame or to attain punya (virtue) etc. Renunciation might also happen when one goes through despondency like Arjun's idea of renouncing the Kurukshetra battle. As all of us go through these dilemmas, a lot is said in Bhagavad Gita about tyag and sanyas.

Krishna spoke about renunciation on many occasions. He said that one cannot attain siddhi (perfection) by mere renunciation (3.4); one should always be a nitya sanyasi (perpetual renunciant), i.e. one who neither hates nor desires; is free from the pairs of opposites (dwandwa-ateeth) and is easily liberated from all entanglements (5.3); he is a sanyasi and yogi who does his bounden duty without depending on the fruits of action (karmaphal) but not the one without action (6.1).

These teachings are again reflected here when he said that actions like yagna, daan and tapah should be performed without attachment. He is referring to the mental entanglements to the karma or physical possessions. Similarly, performing karma without the expectation of karmaphal is another core teaching of the Bhagavad Gita.