Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 1

English Translation

Arjuna said O mighty-armed Hrsikesa, O slayer of (the demon) Kesi, I want to know serverally the truth about sannyasa as also about tyaga.

Detailed Commentary

।।18.1।। Commentary – Here, the address ‘Mahabaho’ (mighty-armed) signifies power. Arjuna employs this address to indicate that You are capable of explaining the subject; therefore, resolve my inquiry in such a way that I can easily understand it. The address ‘Hrishikesha’ (master of the senses) signifies the Indwelling Spirit (Antaryami). Arjuna uses it to express that I wish to know the Tattva (essence) of Sannyasa and Tyaga; therefore, reveal the essential points regarding this subject. The address ‘Keshinishoodana’ (slayer of the demon Keshi) signifies the remover of obstacles (Vighna Haran). Arjuna uses it to declare that just as You remove the obstacles of Your devotees, similarly, dispel my Shankas (doubts) and Sanshayas (uncertainties). Inquiry (Jigyasa) manifests in two ways: (1) for practical application in life, and (2) for understanding principles (Siddhanta). Those who merely emphasize understanding principles can only become scholarly pundits, but cannot attain ultimate good (Kalyana). Kalyana is attained by those who understand the Siddhanta and are prepared to shape their lives accordingly. Arjuna's Jigyasa, too, is not merely for knowing the Siddhanta, but for living according to it. In "Esha Te'bhihita Sankhye" (Gita 2.39), ‘Sankhya’ has been referred to as ‘Sannyasa’ here. The Lord has also considered Sankhya and Sannyasa as synonyms. For instance, in the second verse of the fifth chapter, Sannyasa; in the fourth verse, Sankhya Yoga; in the fifth verse, Yatsankhyaih; and in the sixth verse, Sannyasastu have been used in the same sense. Therefore, Arjuna has called Sankhya as Sannyasa. Similarly, the ‘Yoga’ mentioned in "Buddhiryoge Tvimaam Shrinu" (Gita 2.39) has been called ‘Tyaga’ (renunciation) here. The Lord has considered Yoga (Karma Yoga) and Tyaga as synonyms. The act of placing well is called Sannyasa – "Samyak Nyasah Sannyasah" (perfect placement/renunciation). Its meaning is to relinquish the things of Prakriti (nature) and disassociate oneself with Viveka (discrimination) is Sannyasa. Relinquishing attachment to action (Karma) and its fruits (Phala) is Tyaga. In the fourth verse of the sixth chapter, it is stated that one who is not attached to Karma and Phala becomes Yogaarudha (one who has ascended to Yoga). Connection – In response to Arjuna's inquiry, the Lord further presents four opinions of other philosophical scholars in the next two verses.