Verse 18.8 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 8 of 78
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The Translation
“He who abandons duty because it is difficult, or out of fear of physical discomfort, performs passionate abandonment (Rajasic). He certainly does not gain the fruit of abandonment.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna defines Rajasic abandonment. This is the avoidance of duty not because of delusion, but because the performer finds the action physically painful, difficult, or uncomfortable, preferring personal comfort over responsibility.
Practical Application
1
When a task feels physically challenging or uncomfortable, push through it to build mental resilience.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Have you ever quit a project or a promise simply because it became too stressful or physically tiring? Was this Rajasic abandonment?
- Why is it that avoiding difficult duties out of comfort-seeking does not lead to genuine mental peace (the fruit of Tyaga)?
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18.8
दुःखमित्येव यत्कर्म कायक्लेशभयात्त्यजेत्
Shankara comments that the 'fruit of abandonment' is liberation (moksha) which arises from mental purity. A person who avoids their duties because they hate physical exertion or find it tedious remains bound by their likes and dislikes. Their renunciation is a sham, yielding no spiritual reward.