Verse 18.30 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 30 of 78
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The Translation
“That intellect which knows right action and right cessation, what ought to be done and what ought not to be done, what is to be feared and what is not to be feared, what is binding and what is liberating—that intellect, O Partha, is in the mode of goodness (Sattvik).”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna defines Sattvik intellect—the highest state of discrimination in Vedic psychology, which allows the seeker to navigate life's moral complexities with absolute clarity and fearlessness.
Practical Application
1
Before acting, distinguish clearly between what is a temporary impulse (binding) and what is your long-term value (liberating).
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- How can we train our mind to distinguish between real danger (like compromising our values) and imaginary fears (like public failure)?
- Why is knowing when to 'stop acting and rest' (nivritti) just as important as knowing when to 'work' (pravritti)?
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18.30
प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च कार्याकार्ये भयाभये
Shankara comments that the Sattvik intellect possesses the eye of discrimination. It knows that the path of action (pravritti) leads to worldly prosperity and the path of contemplation (nivritti) leads to knowledge and liberation. It understands that bondage is the identification with Prakriti, and liberation is the realization of the Atman. This intellect leads to freedom.