Verse 18.9 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 9 of 78
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The Translation
“When obligatory duty is performed simply because it ought to be done, O Arjuna, abandoning attachment and the desire for fruit—that abandonment is held to be in the mode of goodness (Sattvik).”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna defines the highest type of abandonment: Sattvik Tyaga. This is the practical essence of the Gita's message, showing that true spirituality is not about running away to the forest, but about transforming our attitude while living in the world.
Practical Application
1
Execute your main responsibility today with a simple attitude of: 'This is my duty, and I will do it to the best of my ability.'
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- How does performing your work because 'it is right' (kāryam) free you from the emotional highs and lows of success and failure?
- What is the difference between physical renunciation (leaving the world) and Sattvik renunciation (doing your work but leaving the ego behind)?
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18.9
कार्यमित्येव यत्कर्म नियतं क्रियतेऽर्जुन
Shankara comments that Sattvik Tyaga is the real spiritual method. The seeker does not avoid actions. They perform their natural duties but systematically drop the mental attachments and cravings. This mental cleansing removes the binding nature of karma, leading directly to liberation.