Verse 18.7 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 7 of 78
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The Translation
“Indeed, the renunciation of obligatory duties is not proper. Abandoning them due to delusion is declared to be in the mode of ignorance (Tamasic).”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna begins explaining the three types of abandonment, starting with the lowest: Tamasic Tyaga. In Vedic society, dropping obligatory duties (niyata karma) like caring for family or maintaining ethical standards under the guise of spiritual renunciation was condemned as a delusion.
Practical Application
1
Identify one daily chore or professional duty you are avoiding due to laziness, and complete it first thing today.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- How do we distinguish between genuine spiritual withdrawal and simple laziness or escape from responsibility (Tamasic abandonment)?
- Why is keeping your basic daily promises and duties considered a vital part of spiritual character?
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18.7
नियतस्य तु संन्यासः कर्मणो नोपपद्यते
Shankara comments that obligatory duties (Nitya Karma) are meant to keep the mind clean and prevent the accumulation of new impurities. Abandoning them because one is confused or lethargic is Tamasic. It stems from the illusion that doing nothing is equivalent to peace.