श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.७ — नियतस्य तु संन्यासः — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.७ — नियतस्य तु संन्यासः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
नियतस्य
niyatasya
of prescribed; obligatory
तु
tu
but
संन्यासः
sannyāsaḥ
renunciation; giving up
कर्मणः
karmaṇaḥ
of action; of duty
न उपपद्यते
na upapadyate
is not proper; is not befitting
मोहात्
mohāt
out of delusion
तस्य परित्यागः
tasya parityāgaḥ
the abandonment of it
तामसः
tāmasaḥ
of the nature of tamas (ignorance)
परिकीर्तितः
parikīrtitaḥ
is declared; is said to be
Complete Translation
परन्तु नियत (कर्तव्य) कर्म का त्याग करना उचित नहीं है; मोहवश उसका परित्याग तामस (अज्ञान के मोड में) कहा गया है।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 7
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eighteenth chapter, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Krishna explains the true meaning of renunciation (sannyasa) and abandonment (tyaga) in response to Arjuna's question. Here He teaches that abandoning prescribed duty out of delusion is tamasic, establishing that genuine renunciation is the surrender of attachment, not of duty itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 18.7 teach about renunciation?▼
Krishna teaches that one should never renounce one's prescribed, obligatory duties. Abandoning such duty out of delusion is renunciation in the mode of ignorance (tamasic), and is therefore improper.
What is 'niyata karma'?▼
'Niyata karma' means prescribed or obligatory duty — the actions one is rightly bound to perform according to one's nature and station. The Gita teaches that these should be carried out, not abandoned, even by one seeking spiritual liberation.
What is tamasic renunciation?▼
Tamasic renunciation is giving up one's duty out of delusion, confusion or a desire to avoid effort. Because it arises from ignorance rather than wisdom, the Gita declares it to be renunciation in the mode of darkness (tamas), and not true renunciation.
What is true renunciation according to the Gita?▼
True renunciation (tyaga), as Krishna explains in this chapter, is performing one's duties while giving up attachment to their fruits. One acts fully and sincerely, but surrenders the results to the Lord, free from craving and ego.
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