Gita 18.4
Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
निश्चयं शृणु मे तत्र त्यागे भरतसत्तम | त्यागो हि पुरुषव्याघ्र त्रिविधः संप्रकीर्तितः ||४||
niścayaṁ śṛṇu me tatra tyāge bharata-sattama | tyāgo hi puruṣa-vyāghra tri-vidhaḥ samprakīrtitaḥ ||4||
In essence: Having presented the debate, Krishna now announces his definitive conclusion: Hear My certain verdict on tyaga, O tiger among men—for renunciation itself is of three kinds.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "Krishna says he will give the 'nischayam'—the conclusion. Is this the final word on this topic?"
Guru: "Yes, this is Krishna's definitive resolution. After presenting what various thinkers say (verses 2-3), he now offers his own conclusion. The word 'nischayam' means certainty, determination, final verdict. Arjuna asked for clarity; Krishna provides it. This is not another perspective but the integrating truth."
Sadhak: "Why does Krishna focus on tyaga rather than sannyasa here?"
Guru: "Because tyaga is the more universal principle. Sannyasa in its formal sense applies to those who take renunciate vows—a specific life stage. Tyaga—the internal relinquishment of attachment—applies to everyone in every situation. By focusing on tyaga, Krishna makes the teaching applicable to Arjuna the warrior, to householders, to everyone. Sannyasa without inner tyaga is empty; tyaga makes any path liberating."
Sadhak: "Three kinds of tyaga based on the gunas—is this the same pattern as other Gita classifications?"
Guru: "Exactly. Chapter 17 analyzed faith, food, sacrifice, charity, and austerity through the guna lens. Now tyaga itself is analyzed. This pattern reveals that every human phenomenon exists on a spectrum from tamasic (ignorant, harmful) to rajasic (passionate, mixed) to sattvic (pure, liberating). The question is never just 'what' but 'how' and 'from what quality of consciousness.'"
Sadhak: "The addresses 'Bharata-sattama' and 'Purusha-vyaghra'—why such noble titles at this point?"
Guru: "Krishna is about to deliver his conclusive teaching on a subtle and important topic. The noble addresses remind Arjuna of his capacity. 'You are capable of receiving this, O tiger among men. You have noble heritage, O best of Bharatas. Rise to your potential.' When a teacher honors the student, the student becomes more receptive. Also, this teaching requires courage to implement—tiger-like strength."
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🌅 Daily Practice
Before the day's renunciations begin—skipping the snack, foregoing the complaint, releasing the worry—set an intention: 'May today's tyaga be sattvic—clear, complete, for the right reasons.' The same renunciation can be tamasic, rajasic, or sattvic. Your intention helps orient the quality.
When you let something go today—an expectation, a grievance, a desire—ask: 'What is the quality of this renunciation?' Am I letting go from confusion or avoidance? From strategic calculation? Or from genuine understanding that holding on causes suffering? Simply asking begins to clarify.
Review the day's renunciations: 'What did I release today? From what quality?' Perhaps you avoided a task (tamasic). Perhaps you gave up something expecting recognition (rajasic). Perhaps you released attachment simply because it was right (sattvic). This review builds discrimination (viveka) for future practice.