Verse 18.59 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 59 of 78
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The Translation
“If, motivated by egoism, you think, 'I will not fight,' your resolve is vain. Your own material nature will compel you.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna addresses Arjuna's specific attempt to run away from his duty as a warrior. He warns Arjuna that a mere intellectual decision to avoid action is vain because his deep-seated biology and conditioning (prakriti) will override his resolve.
Practical Application
1
Acknowledge your natural inclinations and work through them constructively, rather than trying to suppress them.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Why is it impossible to suppress our natural tendencies (*prakriti*) by force? How can we instead channel them constructively?
- Have you ever tried to run away from a necessary conflict or duty, only to find that your inner nature forced you back into it?
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18.59
यदहंकारमाश्रित्य न योत्स्य इति मन्यसे
Arjuna has the nature of a warrior, dominated by Rajas. His plan to live the life of a peaceful beggar (which is a Brahmana's svadharma) is artificial. When he sees the battlefield, his Kshatriya blood will boil and force him to pick up his bow.