The Yoga of
Liberation by Renunciation
Divine Life Society Publication: - Bhagavadgita – Summary
of Eighteenth Discourse by Sri Swami Sivananda
The eighteenth discourse, which is the conclusion of the divine
discourse of Lord Krishna, is in many ways a summary of the foregoing portions
of the Gita. It covers in brief numerous important points dealt with in
the previous discourses. Here you behold the ultimate result or effect of the
Lord’s discourse to Arjuna. The drama of Arjuna’s utter despondency and
breakdown is finally resolved in triumphant self-mastery, strength and bold
resoluteness. Its central message emerges as an assurance that in and through
the performance of one’s respective duties in life one can qualify for the
highest liberation, if one performs actions by renouncing egoism and attachment
and surrendering all desire for selfish, personal gain. By regarding the
performance of your duties as worship offered to God, you obtain the Grace of
the Lord and attain the eternal One.
Significantly, this discourse opens with a question by Arjuna asking
what is true Sannyasa and true Tyaga (renunciation). In reply to this important
and crucial query, the blessed Lord makes it clear to us that real Sannyasa or
renunciation lies in renunciation of selfish actions, and even more in the
renunciation of the desire or greed for the fruits of any action. Very clearly
we are told that selfless and virtuous actions, and actions conducive to the
welfare of others should not be abandoned. You must engage yourself in
performing such action but renouncing attachment and greed. The true and proper
renunciation is giving up of selfishness and attachment while performing one’s
legitimate duties. This is called Sattwic Tyaga. We neither hate unpleasant
action nor are we attached to pleasurable action. As it is not possible for you
to renounce all action, the renunciation of egoism, selfishness and attachment
in your activity is declared as true renunciation. Karma does not accumulate
and bind one who is thus established in such inner renunciation.
The divine injunction is that God must be made the sole object of
one’s life. This is the heart of the Gita gospel. This is the central
message in its teaching. This is the one way to your welfare here.
Now Sanjaya concludes his narrative by declaring that where there is
such obedience as that of Arjuna, and such willing readiness to carry out the
divine teachings, there surely prosperity, victory, glory and all blessedness
will prevail.
Hari Om Tat Sat
Iti Srimad Bhagavadgeetaasoopanishatsu Brahmavidyaayaam
Yogashaastre Sri Krishnaarjunasamvaade
Mokshasannyaasayogo Naama Ashtaadasho’dhyaayah
Iti Srimad Bhagavadgeetaasoopanishatsu Brahmavidyaayaam
Yogashaastre Sri Krishnaarjunasamvaade
Mokshasannyaasayogo Naama Ashtaadasho’dhyaayah
Thus in the Upanishads of the glorious Bhagavad Gita, the
science of the Eternal, the scripture of Yoga, the dialogue between Sri Krishna
and Arjuna, ends the eighteenth discourse entitled:
“The Yoga of Liberation by Renunciation”
Om Shanti! Shanti! Shanti!
Excerpts from:
The Yoga of Liberation by Renunciation - Bhagavadgita
– Summary of Eighteenth Discourse by Sri Swami Sivananda
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