Gita 18.2
Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
श्रीभगवानुवाच | काम्यानां कर्मणां न्यासं संन्यासं कवयो विदुः | सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं प्राहुस्त्यागं विचक्षणाः ||२||
śrī-bhagavān uvāca | kāmyānāṁ karmaṇāṁ nyāsaṁ sannyāsaṁ kavayo viduḥ | sarva-karma-phala-tyāgaṁ prāhus tyāgaṁ vicakṣaṇāḥ ||2||
In essence: The sages define sannyasa as abandoning desire-driven actions; the wise define tyaga as abandoning the fruits of all actions—a distinction that separates external renunciation from internal freedom.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "So sannyasa is about which actions to do, and tyaga is about attitude toward all actions?"
Guru: "Precisely. Sannyasa asks: 'Which actions should I avoid?' The answer: desire-motivated ones. Tyaga asks: 'How should I relate to the results of any action?' The answer: without attachment. One is categorical exclusion; the other is attitudinal transformation. Both address bondage but at different levels."
Sadhak: "What are 'kamya-karmas' exactly?"
Guru: "Actions performed specifically for desired results—typically Vedic rituals for material gains. 'I perform this sacrifice to obtain a son.' 'I do this ritual for wealth.' 'I observe this vow for heaven.' The motivation is personal acquisition. Sannyasa renounces this entire category, recognizing that desire-driven action perpetuates bondage regardless of success."
Sadhak: "But tyaga applies to ALL actions—even good ones?"
Guru: "'Sarva-karma-phala'—the fruits of ALL actions. Even noble actions, even dharmic duties, even spiritual practices. The attachment to results binds whether the result is worldly or spiritual. The tyagi performs the action fully but releases the fruit. This is more subtle and more demanding than avoiding certain action categories."
Sadhak: "Can someone practice both?"
Guru: "Ultimately, yes. A true sannyasi who abandons desire-driven action should also cultivate tyaga regarding whatever actions remain (teaching, worship, maintenance of body). A householder practicing tyaga may gradually find desire-motivated actions naturally falling away. They are not opposed but complementary, addressing bondage at different levels."
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🌅 Daily Practice
Review your day ahead: Which actions are you doing from desire for specific results (kamya)? Which from genuine duty regardless of result? This isn't judgment—just clarity. For kamya-type actions, can you hold the desired result more lightly? For all actions, can you offer the results before you even begin?
Practice sarva-karma-phala-tyaga in small moments. When you complete a task, notice the impulse to check for results—appreciation, reward, outcome. Before checking, pause and mentally offer: 'Results belong to the larger order, not to me.' This tiny practice, repeated, transforms relationship to all action.
Reflect on which type of renunciation you find easier. Avoiding desire-driven action (sannyasa tendency)? Or acting fully while releasing results (tyaga practice)? Neither is wrong, but notice your natural orientation. Understanding your tendency helps you grow where you need it most.