Chapter 18 · Yoga through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender

18.1

अर्जुन उवाच | संन्यासस्य महाबाहो तत्त्वमिच्छामि वेदितुम् | त्यागस्य च हृषीकेश पृथक्केशिनिषूदन ||१८-१||

arjuna uvāca . saṃnyāsasya mahābāho tattvamicchāmi veditum . tyāgasya ca hṛṣīkeśa pṛthakkeśiniṣūdana ||18-1||

Arjuna asks Krishna to explain the true nature of renunciation and abandonment, and how they differ from each other, seeking a clear understanding of these two concepts. He wants to know what it means to renounce something and what it means to abandon something, and how these two ideas are distinct.

18.2

श्रीभगवानुवाच | काम्यानां कर्मणां न्यासं संन्यासं कवयो विदुः | सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं प्राहुस्त्यागं विचक्षणाः ||१८-२||

śrībhagavānuvāca . kāmyānāṃ karmaṇāṃ nyāsaṃ saṃnyāsaṃ kavayo viduḥ . sarvakarmaphalatyāgaṃ prāhustyāgaṃ vicakṣaṇāḥ ||18-2||

Krishna explains that wise sages define renunciation as letting go of actions driven by personal desires, while discerning ones consider it the release of attachment to the outcomes of all actions.

18.3

त्याज्यं दोषवदित्येके कर्म प्राहुर्मनीषिणः | यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यमिति चापरे ||१८-३||

tyājyaṃ doṣavadityeke karma prāhurmanīṣiṇaḥ . yajñadānatapaḥkarma na tyājyamiti cāpare ||18-3||

Some thoughtful people believe that all actions are flawed and should be given up, while others argue that certain actions, like selfless sacrifice, generosity, and spiritual discipline, are essential and should never be abandoned.

18.4

निश्चयं शृणु मे तत्र त्यागे भरतसत्तम | त्यागो हि पुरुषव्याघ्र त्रिविधः सम्प्रकीर्तितः ||१८-४||

niścayaṃ śṛṇu me tatra tyāge bharatasattama . tyāgo hi puruṣavyāghra trividhaḥ samprakīrtitaḥ ||18-4||

Arjuna, I'll share with you the final understanding about letting go, a concept that has three main aspects, according to Krishna.

18.5

यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यं कार्यमेव तत् | यज्ञो दानं तपश्चैव पावनानि मनीषिणाम् ||१८-५||

yajñadānatapaḥkarma na tyājyaṃ kāryameva tat . yajño dānaṃ tapaścaiva pāvanāni manīṣiṇām ||18-5||

Sacrifice, giving, and self-discipline are essential practices that should be embraced, not abandoned, as they have a purifying effect on those who are spiritually aware, like Arjuna. These practices are meant to be a natural part of one's life. By performing them, one can experience inner growth and purification.

18.6

एतान्यपि तु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा फलानि च | कर्तव्यानीति मे पार्थ निश्चितं मतमुत्तमम् ||१८-६||

etānyapi tu karmāṇi saṅgaṃ tyaktvā phalāni ca . kartavyānīti me pārtha niścitaṃ matamuttamam ||18-6||

Arjuna, even these actions should be done without attachment to the outcome, and that's my firm and highest conviction, letting go of any desire for personal gain.

18.7

नियतस्य तु संन्यासः कर्मणो नोपपद्यते | मोहात्तस्य परित्यागस्तामसः परिकीर्तितः ||१८-७||

niyatasya tu saṃnyāsaḥ karmaṇo nopapadyate . mohāttasya parityāgastāmasaḥ parikīrtitaḥ ||18-7||

It's not right to renounce actions that are rightfully yours to do, and giving them up out of confusion is a sign of darkness and ignorance.

18.8

दुःखमित्येव यत्कर्म कायक्लेशभयात्त्यजेत् | स कृत्वा राजसं त्यागं नैव त्यागफलं लभेत् ||१८-८||

duḥkhamityeva yatkarma kāyakleśabhayāttyajet . sa kṛtvā rājasaṃ tyāgaṃ naiva tyāgaphalaṃ labhet ||18-8||

If someone gives up a task simply because they're afraid of the physical discomfort it might bring, they're acting impulsively, and this kind of renunciation won't bring them any real spiritual benefit. By abandoning their duty out of fear of hardship, they're driven by their emotions rather than a genuine desire for spiritual growth. This approach to renunciation will not yield the desired results.

18.9

कार्यमित्येव यत्कर्म नियतं क्रियतेऽर्जुन | सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा फलं चैव स त्यागः सात्त्विको मतः ||१८-९||

kāryamityeva yatkarma niyataṃ kriyate.arjuna . saṅgaṃ tyaktvā phalaṃ caiva sa tyāgaḥ sāttviko mataḥ ||18-9||

When you do what needs to be done, Arjuna, simply because it's your duty, and you let go of your attachment to the outcome and any expectation of reward, that's a selfless renunciation, considered to be truly pure.

18.10

न द्वेष्ट्यकुशलं कर्म कुशले नानुषज्जते | त्यागी सत्त्वसमाविष्टो मेधावी छिन्नसंशयः ||१८-१०||

na dveṣṭyakuśalaṃ karma kuśale nānuṣajjate . tyāgī sattvasamāviṣṭo medhāvī chinnasaṃśayaḥ ||18-10||

A person of renunciation, filled with clarity and purity, doesn't reject actions that are difficult or unpleasant, nor do they get overly attached to those that are easy or enjoyable, because their doubts have been fully resolved.

18.11

न हि देहभृता शक्यं त्यक्तुं कर्माण्यशेषतः | यस्तु कर्मफलत्यागी स त्यागीत्यभिधीयते ||१८-११||

na hi dehabhṛtā śakyaṃ tyaktuṃ karmāṇyaśeṣataḥ . yastu karmaphalatyāgī sa tyāgītyabhidhīyate ||18-11||

A person who lives in a body can’t give up all activity, but if they let go of any desire for the results of their deeds, they are truly called a renunciant.

18.12

अनिष्टमिष्टं मिश्रं च त्रिविधं कर्मणः फलम् | भवत्यत्यागिनां प्रेत्य न तु संन्यासिनां क्वचित् ||१८-१२||

aniṣṭamiṣṭaṃ miśraṃ ca trividhaṃ karmaṇaḥ phalam . bhavatyatyāgināṃ pretya na tu saṃnyāsināṃ kvacit ||18-12||

The outcome of our actions can be negative, positive, or a mix of both, and for those who don't let go of their attachment, these consequences will follow them after death. However, for those like the sannyasins who have truly renounced, there's no such aftermath.

18.13

पञ्चैतानि महाबाहो कारणानि निबोध मे | साङ्ख्ये कृतान्ते प्रोक्तानि सिद्धये सर्वकर्मणाम् ||१८-१३||

pañcaitāni mahābāho kāraṇāni nibodha me . sāṅkhye kṛtānte proktāni siddhaye sarvakarmaṇām ||18-13||

Arjuna, I'll explain the five factors that lead to the success of any action, as understood through the Sankhya philosophy, which examines the fundamental principles of the universe and the nature of action itself. These factors are essential for achieving any goal, and they work together to produce a desired outcome. Krishna is about to share this insight with Arjuna to deepen his understanding of the workings of the world.

18.14

अधिष्ठानं तथा कर्ता करणं च पृथग्विधम् | विविधाश्च पृथक्चेष्टा दैवं चैवात्र पञ्चमम् ||१८-१४||

adhiṣṭhānaṃ tathā kartā karaṇaṃ ca pṛthagvidham . vividhāśca pṛthakceṣṭā daivaṃ caivātra pañcamam ||18-14||

The factors at play are the physical body, the individual self, the various senses, the diverse actions they perform, and destiny, which is the fifth component.

18.15

शरीरवाङ्मनोभिर्यत्कर्म प्रारभते नरः | न्याय्यं वा विपरीतं वा पञ्चैते तस्य हेतवः ||१८-१५||

śarīravāṅmanobhiryatkarma prārabhate naraḥ . nyāyyaṃ vā viparītaṃ vā pañcaite tasya hetavaḥ ||18-15||

Any action a person takes, whether through physical effort, speech, or thought, and whether it's right or wrong, has five underlying causes.

18.16

तत्रैवं सति कर्तारमात्मानं केवलं तु यः | पश्यत्यकृतबुद्धित्वान्न स पश्यति दुर्मतिः ||१८-१६||

tatraivaṃ sati kartāramātmānaṃ kevalaṃ tu yaḥ . paśyatyakṛtabuddhitvānna sa paśyati durmatiḥ ||18-16||

When things are seen this way, someone with a misguided understanding might think their individual self is the sole doer, but such a person is mistaken and lacks real insight. They fail to see the bigger picture because of their limited perspective. This kind of thinking is a distortion of the truth.

18.17

यस्य नाहंकृतो भावो बुद्धिर्यस्य न लिप्यते | हत्वाऽपि स इमाँल्लोकान्न हन्ति न निबध्यते ||१८-१७||

yasya nāhaṃkṛto bhāvo buddhiryasya na lipyate . hatvā.api sa imā.Nllokānna hanti na nibadhyate ||18-17||

One who doesn't let ego influence their thoughts, and whose understanding remains untainted, may be involved in the act of killing, but they don't truly kill, and they're not bound by the consequences of their actions.

18.18

ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं परिज्ञाता त्रिविधा कर्मचोदना | करणं कर्म कर्तेति त्रिविधः कर्मसंग्रहः ||१८-१८||

jñānaṃ jñeyaṃ parijñātā trividhā karmacodanā . karaṇaṃ karma karteti trividhaḥ karmasaṃgrahaḥ ||18-18||

Knowledge, the thing to be known, and the person who knows - these three elements drive us to take action. Similarly, the action itself, the person performing it, and the means by which it's done all come together to make up the complete picture of action.

18.19

ज्ञानं कर्म च कर्ताच त्रिधैव गुणभेदतः | प्रोच्यते गुणसङ्ख्याने यथावच्छृणु तान्यपि ||१८-१९||

jñānaṃ karma ca kartāca tridhaiva guṇabhedataḥ . procyate guṇasaṅkhyāne yathāvacchṛṇu tānyapi ||18-19||

Knowledge, action, and the one who acts are all categorized into three types based on the differences in the gunas, or qualities. This understanding is rooted in the Sankhya philosophy, which analyzes the gunas and their various combinations. Listen carefully to how these categories are defined.

18.20

सर्वभूतेषु येनैकं भावमव्ययमीक्षते | अविभक्तं विभक्तेषु तज्ज्ञानं विद्धि सात्त्विकम् ||१८-२०||

sarvabhūteṣu yenaikaṃ bhāvamavyayamīkṣate . avibhaktaṃ vibhakteṣu tajjñānaṃ viddhi sāttvikam ||18-20||

Know that the true, pure knowledge is the insight that perceives the same eternal reality in every living being, recognizing that nothing is truly separate.

18.21

पृथक्त्वेन तु यज्ज्ञानं नानाभावान्पृथग्विधान् | वेत्ति सर्वेषु भूतेषु तज्ज्ञानं विद्धि राजसम् ||१८-२१||

pṛthaktvena tu yajjñānaṃ nānābhāvānpṛthagvidhān . vetti sarveṣu bhūteṣu tajjñānaṃ viddhi rājasam ||18-21||

Knowledge that recognizes a multitude of separate, distinct forms in all living things, perceiving them as fundamentally different from one another, is considered to be driven by passion, or rajasic in nature.

18.22

यत्तु कृत्स्नवदेकस्मिन्कार्ये सक्तमहैतुकम् | अतत्त्वार्थवदल्पं च तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ||१८-२२||

yattu kṛtsnavadekasminkārye saktamahaitukam . atattvārthavadalpaṃ ca tattāmasamudāhṛtam ||18-22||

Action driven by a narrow focus on a single outcome, without consideration for the bigger picture or a genuine understanding of what's truly important, is considered to be rooted in darkness, or Tamas. This kind of approach is superficial and lacks a solid foundation. It's an unthinking attachment to a limited goal, unguided by reason or a deeper sense of purpose.

18.23

नियतं सङ्गरहितमरागद्वेषतः कृतम् | अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत्तत्सात्त्विकमुच्यते ||१८-२३||

niyataṃ saṅgarahitamarāgadveṣataḥ kṛtam . aphalaprepsunā karma yattatsāttvikamucyate ||18-23||

A duty performed without attachment, free from love or hatred, and without any desire for reward is considered a sattvic action.

18.24

यत्तु कामेप्सुना कर्म साहंकारेण वा पुनः | क्रियते बहुलायासं तद्राजसमुदाहृतम् ||१८-२४||

yattu kāmepsunā karma sāhaṃkāreṇa vā punaḥ . kriyate bahulāyāsaṃ tadrājasamudāhṛtam ||18-24||

Any action performed out of desire for personal gain, driven by ego or excessive effort, is classified as Rajasic.

18.25

अनुबन्धं क्षयं हिंसामनपेक्ष्य च पौरुषम् | मोहादारभ्यते कर्म यत्तत्तामसमुच्यते ||१८-२५||

anubandhaṃ kṣayaṃ hiṃsāmanapekṣya ca pauruṣam . mohādārabhyate karma yattattāmasamucyate ||18-25||

Action driven by delusion, ignoring the potential consequences, harm, and one's own capabilities, is considered to be rooted in darkness. It's an act that stems from a lack of awareness and understanding. This kind of action is called Tamasic.

18.26

मुक्तसङ्गोऽनहंवादी धृत्युत्साहसमन्वितः | सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योर्निर्विकारः कर्ता सात्त्विक उच्यते ||१८-२६||

muktasaṅgo.anahaṃvādī dhṛtyutsāhasamanvitaḥ . siddhyasiddhyornirvikāraḥ kartā sāttvika ucyate ||18-26||

A person who acts without attachment or ego, with steady confidence and enthusiasm, and remains unchanged by success or failure, is described as truly sattvic.

18.27

रागी कर्मफलप्रेप्सुर्लुब्धो हिंसात्मकोऽशुचिः | हर्षशोकान्वितः कर्ता राजसः परिकीर्तितः ||१८-२७||

rāgī karmaphalaprepsurlubdho hiṃsātmako.aśuciḥ . harṣaśokānvitaḥ kartā rājasaḥ parikīrtitaḥ ||18-27||

A person driven by desire for results, greedy, violent, impure, and swayed by both happiness and grief is described as being dominated by passion.

18.28

अयुक्तः प्राकृतः स्तब्धः शठो नैष्कृतिकोऽलसः | विषादी दीर्घसूत्री च कर्ता तामस उच्यते ||१८-२८||

ayuktaḥ prākṛtaḥ stabdhaḥ śaṭho naiṣkṛtiko.alasaḥ . viṣādī dīrghasūtrī ca kartā tāmasa ucyate ||18-28||

A person who is confused, crude, stubborn, deceitful, spiteful, lazy, discouraged and always putting things off is described as tamasic.

18.29

बुद्धेर्भेदं धृतेश्चैव गुणतस्त्रिविधं शृणु | प्रोच्यमानमशेषेण पृथक्त्वेन धनञ्जय ||१८-२९||

buddherbhedaṃ dhṛteścaiva guṇatastrividhaṃ śṛṇu . procyamānamaśeṣeṇa pṛthaktvena dhanañjaya ||18-29||

Now, Arjuna, I'll clearly explain how intellect and resolve can be divided into three types based on the dominant quality, and I'll cover each one in detail.

18.30

प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च कार्याकार्ये भयाभये | बन्धं मोक्षं च या वेत्ति बुद्धिः सा पार्थ सात्त्विकी ||१८-३०||

pravṛttiṃ ca nivṛttiṃ ca kāryākārye bhayābhaye . bandhaṃ mokṣaṃ ca yā vetti buddhiḥ sā pārtha sāttvikī ||18-30||

The mind that discerns both action and renunciation, what is right and what is wrong, what is driven by fear and what is free of it, and what binds us versus what liberates us, is truly sattvic.

18.31

यया धर्ममधर्मं च कार्यं चाकार्यमेव च | अयथावत्प्रजानाति बुद्धिः सा पार्थ राजसी ||१८-३१||

yayā dharmamadharmaṃ ca kāryaṃ cākāryameva ca . ayathāvatprajānāti buddhiḥ sā pārtha rājasī ||18-31||

The mind that cannot tell right from wrong or know what should or shouldn’t be done is driven by passion.

18.32

अधर्मं धर्ममिति या मन्यते तमसावृता | सर्वार्थान्विपरीतांश्च बुद्धिः सा पार्थ तामसी ||१८-३२||

adharmaṃ dharmamiti yā manyate tamasāvṛtā . sarvārthānviparītāṃśca buddhiḥ sā pārtha tāmasī ||18-32||

A mind clouded by darkness mistakes unrighteousness for righteousness and twists every purpose; that is a tamasic intellect, Arjuna.

18.33

धृत्या यया धारयते मनःप्राणेन्द्रियक्रियाः | योगेनाव्यभिचारिण्या धृतिः सा पार्थ सात्त्विकी ||१८-३३||

dhṛtyā yayā dhārayate manaḥprāṇendriyakriyāḥ . yogenāvyabhicāriṇyā dhṛtiḥ sā pārtha sāttvikī ||18-33||

Steady, unwavering focus that, through yoga, keeps the mind, life‑force, and senses under control is the pure, sattvic kind of firmness, Arjuna.

18.34

यया तु धर्मकामार्थान्धृत्या धारयतेऽर्जुन | प्रसङ्गेन फलाकाङ्क्षी धृतिः सा पार्थ राजसी ||१८-३४||

yayā tu dharmakāmārthāndhṛtyā dhārayate.arjuna . prasaṅgena phalākāṅkṣī dhṛtiḥ sā pārtha rājasī ||18-34||

It’s the stubborn resolve that clings to duty, pleasure and wealth because of craving and the hope of reward, and that mindset is driven by passion.

18.35

यया स्वप्नं भयं शोकं विषादं मदमेव च | न विमुञ्चति दुर्मेधा धृतिः सा पार्थ तामसी ||१८-३५||

yayā svapnaṃ bhayaṃ śokaṃ viṣādaṃ madameva ca . na vimuñcati durmedhā dhṛtiḥ sā pārtha tāmasī ||18-35||

The stubborn mindset that keeps a dull person glued to sleep, fear, grief, hopelessness and ego‑driven pride is the tamasic quality, Arjuna.

18.36

सुखं त्विदानीं त्रिविधं शृणु मे भरतर्षभ | अभ्यासाद्रमते यत्र दुःखान्तं च निगच्छति ||१८-३६||

sukhaṃ tvidānīṃ trividhaṃ śṛṇu me bharatarṣabha . abhyāsādramate yatra duḥkhāntaṃ ca nigacchati ||18-36||

Now, Arjuna, I'll tell you about the three types of happiness, which bring joy through practice and ultimately lead to the end of suffering. This kind of pleasure grows stronger with time and frees us from pain.

18.37

यत्तदग्रे विषमिव परिणामेऽमृतोपमम् | तत्सुखं सात्त्विकं प्रोक्तमात्मबुद्धिप्रसादजम् ||१८-३७||

yattadagre viṣamiva pariṇāme.amṛtopamam . tatsukhaṃ sāttvikaṃ proktamātmabuddhiprasādajam ||18-37||

True happiness may first feel like a bitter poison, but later it becomes as sweet as nectar; it is pure and arises from the clarity of a mind awakened to its own nature.

18.38

विषयेन्द्रियसंयोगाद्यत्तदग्रेऽमृतोपमम् | परिणामे विषमिव तत्सुखं राजसं स्मृतम् ||१८-३८||

viṣayendriyasaṃyogādyattadagre.amṛtopamam . pariṇāme viṣamiva tatsukhaṃ rājasaṃ smṛtam ||18-38||

The pleasure that comes from the senses engaging with their objects feels sweet at first, like nectar, but ultimately turns sour and harmful, and is therefore classified as Rajasic.

18.39

यदग्रे चानुबन्धे च सुखं मोहनमात्मनः | निद्रालस्यप्रमादोत्थं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ||१८-३९||

yadagre cānubandhe ca sukhaṃ mohanamātmanaḥ . nidrālasyapramādotthaṃ tattāmasamudāhṛtam ||18-39||

The kind of pleasure that deceives us from the start and keeps us hooked, born of sleep, laziness and careless neglect, is the tamasic, ignorant enjoyment.

18.40

न तदस्ति पृथिव्यां वा दिवि देवेषु वा पुनः | सत्त्वं प्रकृतिजैर्मुक्तं यदेभिः स्यात्त्रिभिर्गुणैः ||१८-४०||

na tadasti pṛthivyāṃ vā divi deveṣu vā punaḥ . sattvaṃ prakṛtijairmuktaṃ yadebhiḥ syāttribhirguṇaiḥ ||18-40||

There's no being, whether on earth or in the heavens among the gods, that can escape the influence of the three qualities that arise from nature, as everything is shaped by them. Nothing exists that is completely free from these qualities.

18.41

ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशां शूद्राणां च परन्तप | कर्माणि प्रविभक्तानि स्वभावप्रभवैर्गुणैः ||१८-४१||

brāhmaṇakṣatriyaviśāṃ śūdrāṇāṃ ca parantapa . karmāṇi pravibhaktāni svabhāvaprabhavairguṇaiḥ ||18-41||

The duties assigned to Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras are each matched to the dominant quality that naturally characterizes their nature.

18.42

शमो दमस्तपः शौचं क्षान्तिरार्जवमेव च | ज्ञानं विज्ञानमास्तिक्यं ब्रह्मकर्म स्वभावजम् ||१८-४२||

śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṃ kṣāntirārjavameva ca . jñānaṃ vijñānamāstikyaṃ brahmakarma svabhāvajam ||18-42||

Calmness, self‑control, disciplined austerity, purity, forgiveness, uprightness, true knowledge, wisdom and faith in the Divine are the qualities that naturally belong to a Brahmana.

18.43

शौर्यं तेजो धृतिर्दाक्ष्यं युद्धे चाप्यपलायनम् | दानमीश्वरभावश्च क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभावजम् ||१८-४३||

śauryaṃ tejo dhṛtirdākṣyaṃ yuddhe cāpyapalāyanam . dānamīśvarabhāvaśca kṣātraṃ karma svabhāvajam ||18-43||

Bravery, radiant energy, steadfast resolve, skillful ability, generosity, and the capacity to lead, these are the natural duties of a Kshatriya in battle.

18.44

कृषिगौरक्ष्यवाणिज्यं वैश्यकर्म स्वभावजम् | परिचर्यात्मकं कर्म शूद्रस्यापि स्वभावजम् ||१८-४४||

kṛṣigaurakṣyavāṇijyaṃ vaiśyakarma svabhāvajam . paricaryātmakaṃ karma śūdrasyāpi svabhāvajam ||18-44||

Farming, raising livestock and doing business are the natural work of a Vaishya, while serving others is the natural work of a Shudra.

18.45

स्वे स्वे कर्मण्यभिरतः संसिद्धिं लभते नरः | स्वकर्मनिरतः सिद्धिं यथा विन्दति तच्छृणु ||१८-४५||

sve sve karmaṇyabhirataḥ saṃsiddhiṃ labhate naraḥ . svakarmanirataḥ siddhiṃ yathā vindati tacchṛṇu ||18-45||

When people focus on their own natural work, they find fulfillment, so listen to how one can achieve success by being fully engaged in their own duties, doing what they do best.

18.46

यतः प्रवृत्तिर्भूतानां येन सर्वमिदं ततम् | स्वकर्मणा तमभ्यर्च्य सिद्धिं विन्दति मानवः ||१८-४६||

yataḥ pravṛttirbhūtānāṃ yena sarvamidaṃ tatam . svakarmaṇā tamabhyarcya siddhiṃ vindati mānavaḥ ||18-46||

By honoring the divine source from which all life arises, and performing one’s own duties as an offering to that source, a person attains true fulfillment.

18.47

श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् | स्वभावनियतं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम् ||१८-४७||

śreyānsvadharmo viguṇaḥ paradharmātsvanuṣṭhitāt . svabhāvaniyataṃ karma kurvannāpnoti kilbiṣam ||18-47||

Doing what’s truly yours, even if it’s imperfect, is better than perfectly performing someone else’s role. When you act in line with your own nature, you stay free from sin.

18.48

सहजं कर्म कौन्तेय सदोषमपि न त्यजेत् | सर्वारम्भा हि दोषेण धूमेनाग्निरिवावृताः ||१८-४८||

sahajaṃ karma kaunteya sadoṣamapi na tyajet . sarvārambhā hi doṣeṇa dhūmenāgnirivāvṛtāḥ ||18-48||

Even if it’s imperfect, don’t give up the work that naturally belongs to you, Arjuna; every action is clouded by flaws, just as smoke hides a fire.

18.49

असक्तबुद्धिः सर्वत्र जितात्मा विगतस्पृहः | नैष्कर्म्यसिद्धिं परमां संन्यासेनाधिगच्छति ||१८-४९||

asaktabuddhiḥ sarvatra jitātmā vigataspṛhaḥ . naiṣkarmyasiddhiṃ paramāṃ saṃnyāsenādhigacchati ||18-49||

A person whose mind is free from attachment, who has mastered himself and let go of all cravings, attains the highest state of complete freedom simply by renouncing action.

18.50

सिद्धिं प्राप्तो यथा ब्रह्म तथाप्नोति निबोध मे | समासेनैव कौन्तेय निष्ठा ज्ञानस्य या परा ||१८-५०||

siddhiṃ prāpto yathā brahma tathāpnoti nibodha me . samāsenaiva kaunteya niṣṭhā jñānasya yā parā ||18-50||

Listen, Arjuna: when a person truly masters themselves, they naturally attain the Eternal, the highest state of wisdom.

18.51

बुद्ध्या विशुद्धया युक्तो धृत्यात्मानं नियम्य च | शब्दादीन्विषयांस्त्यक्त्वा रागद्वेषौ व्युदस्य च ||१८-५१||

buddhyā viśuddhayā yukto dhṛtyātmānaṃ niyamya ca . śabdādīnviṣayāṃstyaktvā rāgadveṣau vyudasya ca ||18-51||

With a clear, pure mind and firm self‑control, let go of all sensory objects, sounds, sights, etc., and release both attachment and aversion.

18.52

विविक्तसेवी लघ्वाशी यतवाक्कायमानसः | ध्यानयोगपरो नित्यं वैराग्यं समुपाश्रितः ||१८-५२||

viviktasevī laghvāśī yatavākkāyamānasaḥ . dhyānayogaparo nityaṃ vairāgyaṃ samupāśritaḥ ||18-52||

He lives alone, eats modestly, and keeps his speech, body, and mind under control, devoting himself constantly to meditation and a spirit of renunciation.

18.53

अहंकारं बलं दर्पं कामं क्रोधं परिग्रहम् | विमुच्य निर्ममः शान्तो ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते ||१८-५३||

ahaṃkāraṃ balaṃ darpaṃ kāmaṃ krodhaṃ parigraham . vimucya nirmamaḥ śānto brahmabhūyāya kalpate ||18-53||

When one lets go of ego, force, pride, craving, anger and greed, and lives without clinging to anything as his own, a calm peace arises, making him ready to become one with Brahman.

18.54

ब्रह्मभूतः प्रसन्नात्मा न शोचति न काङ्क्षति | समः सर्वेषु भूतेषु मद्भक्तिं लभते पराम् ||१८-५४||

brahmabhūtaḥ prasannātmā na śocati na kāṅkṣati . samaḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu madbhaktiṃ labhate parām ||18-54||

When one merges with the divine and rests peacefully in the true Self, he feels no grief or longing, treats all beings alike, and attains the highest devotion to me.

18.55

भक्त्या मामभिजानाति यावान्यश्चास्मि तत्त्वतः | ततो मां तत्त्वतो ज्ञात्वा विशते तदनन्तरम् ||१८-५५||

bhaktyā māmabhijānāti yāvānyaścāsmi tattvataḥ . tato māṃ tattvato jñātvā viśate tadanantaram ||18-55||

Through devotion, one comes to know me as I truly am, and having gained this real understanding of me, they immediately experience union with me.

18.56

सर्वकर्माण्यपि सदा कुर्वाणो मद्व्यपाश्रयः | मत्प्रसादादवाप्नोति शाश्वतं पदमव्ययम् ||१८-५६||

sarvakarmāṇyapi sadā kurvāṇo madvyapāśrayaḥ . matprasādādavāpnoti śāśvataṃ padamavyayam ||18-56||

When you perform every action while taking refuge in me, my grace grants you the everlasting, unchanging state of being.

18.57

चेतसा सर्वकर्माणि मयि संन्यस्य मत्परः | बुद्धियोगमुपाश्रित्य मच्चित्तः सततं भव ||१८-५७||

cetasā sarvakarmāṇi mayi saṃnyasya matparaḥ . buddhiyogamupāśritya maccittaḥ satataṃ bhava ||18-57||

Give up all your actions to me, keep your mind fixed on me, and constantly live in the awareness of my presence.

18.58

मच्चित्तः सर्वदुर्गाणि मत्प्रसादात्तरिष्यसि | अथ चेत्त्वमहंकारान्न श्रोष्यसि विनङ्क्ष्यसि ||१८-५८||

maccittaḥ sarvadurgāṇi matprasādāttariṣyasi . atha cettvamahaṃkārānna śroṣyasi vinaṅkṣyasi ||18-58||

When you keep your mind fixed on me, my grace will help you clear every difficulty; but if pride keeps you from listening, you will be lost.

18.59

यदहंकारमाश्रित्य न योत्स्य इति मन्यसे | मिथ्यैष व्यवसायस्ते प्रकृतिस्त्वां नियोक्ष्यति ||१८-५९||

yadahaṃkāramāśritya na yotsya iti manyase . mithyaiṣa vyavasāyaste prakṛtistvāṃ niyokṣyati ||18-59||

If you let ego convince you that you won’t fight, that resolve is empty, your own nature will drive you to act anyway.

18.60

स्वभावजेन कौन्तेय निबद्धः स्वेन कर्मणा | कर्तुं नेच्छसि यन्मोहात्करिष्यस्यवशोपि तत् ||१८-६०||

svabhāvajena kaunteya nibaddhaḥ svena karmaṇā . kartuṃ necchasi yanmohātkariṣyasyavaśopi tat ||18-60||

Arjuna, you are bound by the actions that arise from your own nature; even the tasks you resist because of delusion will inevitably be done, beyond your control.

18.61

ईश्वरः सर्वभूतानां हृद्देशेऽर्जुन तिष्ठति | भ्रामयन्सर्वभूतानि यन्त्रारूढानि मायया ||१८-६१||

īśvaraḥ sarvabhūtānāṃ hṛddeśe.arjuna tiṣṭhati . bhrāmayansarvabhūtāni yantrārūḍhāni māyayā ||18-61||

The Divine resides in every heart, Arjuna, and by His mysterious power moves all beings as if they were turning on a great wheel.

18.62

तमेव शरणं गच्छ सर्वभावेन भारत | तत्प्रसादात्परां शान्तिं स्थानं प्राप्स्यसि शाश्वतम् ||१८-६२||

tameva śaraṇaṃ gaccha sarvabhāvena bhārata . tatprasādātparāṃ śāntiṃ sthānaṃ prāpsyasi śāśvatam ||18-62||

Go to Him with your whole heart, Arjuna, and surrender completely; by His grace you will find lasting peace and the eternal home.

18.63

इति ते ज्ञानमाख्यातं गुह्याद्गुह्यतरं मया | विमृश्यैतदशेषेण यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु ||१८-६३||

iti te jñānamākhyātaṃ guhyādguhyataraṃ mayā . vimṛśyaitadaśeṣeṇa yathecchasi tathā kuru ||18-63||

I have now shared the deepest wisdom with you; after you have fully contemplated it, act according to your own sincere choice.

18.64

सर्वगुह्यतमं भूयः शृणु मे परमं वचः | इष्टोऽसि मे दृढमिति ततो वक्ष्यामि ते हितम् ||१८-६४||

sarvaguhyatamaṃ bhūyaḥ śṛṇu me paramaṃ vacaḥ . iṣṭo.asi me dṛḍhamiti tato vakṣyāmi te hitam ||18-64||

Listen to my most intimate and important message, for you are very dear to me, and I want to share with you what's truly for your benefit. I'm about to reveal something deeply personal and significant, because I consider you a loved and trusted friend, Arjuna.

18.65

मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु | मामेवैष्यसि सत्यं ते प्रतिजाने प्रियोऽसि मे ||१८-६५||

manmanā bhava madbhakto madyājī māṃ namaskuru . māmevaiṣyasi satyaṃ te pratijāne priyo.asi me ||18-65||

Focus your mind on me, be devoted to me, offer your sacrifices to me, and bow before me. I promise you will reach me, because you are dear to me.

18.66 · Surrender

सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज | अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः ||१८-६६||

sarvadharmānparityajya māmekaṃ śaraṇaṃ vraja . ahaṃ tvāṃ sarvapāpebhyo mokṣyayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ ||18-66||

Abandoning all duties, come to Me alone for refuge. I will free you from all sins, do not grieve.

18.67

इदं ते नातपस्काय नाभक्ताय कदाचन | न चाशुश्रूषवे वाच्यं न च मां योऽभ्यसूयति ||१८-६७||

idaṃ te nātapaskāya nābhaktāya kadācana . na cāśuśrūṣave vācyaṃ na ca māṃ yo.abhyasūyati ||18-67||

Don’t say this to anyone who hasn’t embraced discipline, who lacks devotion, who isn’t willing to hear, or who merely scoffs at me.

18.68

य इदं परमं गुह्यं मद्भक्तेष्वभिधास्यति | भक्तिं मयि परां कृत्वा मामेवैष्यत्यसंशयः ||१८-६८||

ya idaṃ paramaṃ guhyaṃ madbhakteṣvabhidhāsyati . bhaktiṃ mayi parāṃ kṛtvā māmevaiṣyatyasaṃśayaḥ ||18-68||

One who, with the deepest devotion, shares this ultimate secret with my devotees will unquestionably attain union with me.

18.69

न च तस्मान्मनुष्येषु कश्चिन्मे प्रियकृत्तमः | भविता न च मे तस्मादन्यः प्रियतरो भुवि ||१८-६९||

na ca tasmānmanuṣyeṣu kaścinme priyakṛttamaḥ . bhavitā na ca me tasmādanyaḥ priyataro bhuvi ||18-69||

No one among humanity can serve me more lovingly, nor is there any other person on earth whom I love more.

18.70

अध्येष्यते च य इमं धर्म्यं संवादमावयोः | ज्ञानयज्ञेन तेनाहमिष्टः स्यामिति मे मतिः ||१८-७०||

adhyeṣyate ca ya imaṃ dharmyaṃ saṃvādamāvayoḥ . jñānayajñena tenāhamiṣṭaḥ syāmiti me matiḥ ||18-70||

Anyone who studies this sacred conversation of ours will, through the offering of true knowledge, worship me; that is my firm belief.

18.71

श्रद्धावाननसूयश्च शृणुयादपि यो नरः | सोऽपि मुक्तः शुभाँल्लोकान्प्राप्नुयात्पुण्यकर्मणाम् ||१८-७१||

śraddhāvānanasūyaśca śṛṇuyādapi yo naraḥ . so.api muktaḥ śubhā.Nllokānprāpnuyātpuṇyakarmaṇām ||18-71||

A person who listens with sincere faith and no ill will, free from doubt, will also be liberated and reach the blessed realms attained by those who perform righteous deeds.

18.72

कच्चिदेतच्छ्रुतं पार्थ त्वयैकाग्रेण चेतसा | कच्चिदज्ञानसम्मोहः प्रनष्टस्ते धनञ्जय ||१८-७२||

kaccidetacchrutaṃ pārtha tvayaikāgreṇa cetasā . kaccidajñānasammohaḥ pranaṣṭaste dhanañjaya ||18-72||

Arjuna, have you truly taken these words to heart, focusing your mind on them? And has the fog of ignorance that clouded you been cleared away?

18.73

अर्जुन उवाच | नष्टो मोहः स्मृतिर्लब्धा त्वत्प्रसादान्मयाच्युत | स्थितोऽस्मि गतसन्देहः करिष्ये वचनं तव ||१८-७३||

arjuna uvāca . naṣṭo mohaḥ smṛtirlabdhā tvatprasādānmayācyuta . sthito.asmi gatasandehaḥ kariṣye vacanaṃ tava ||18-73||

Arjuna says, “Your grace has cleared away my confusion and restored my memory. I am no longer doubtful and I will follow your word.”

18.74

सञ्जय उवाच | इत्यहं वासुदेवस्य पार्थस्य च महात्मनः | संवादमिममश्रौषमद्भुतं रोमहर्षणम् ||१८-७४||

sañjaya uvāca . ityahaṃ vāsudevasya pārthasya ca mahātmanaḥ . saṃvādamimamaśrauṣamadbhutaṃ romaharṣaṇam ||18-74||

Sanjaya says, “I have just heard this extraordinary, uplifting conversation between Krishna and the noble‑hearted Arjuna.”

18.75

व्यासप्रसादाच्छ्रुतवानेतद्गुह्यमहं परम् | योगं योगेश्वरात्कृष्णात्साक्षात्कथयतः स्वयम् ||१८-७५||

vyāsaprasādācchrutavānetadguhyamahaṃ param . yogaṃ yogeśvarātkṛṣṇātsākṣātkathayataḥ svayam ||18-75||

Thanks to Vyasa’s grace, I heard this highest, hidden teaching of yoga straight from Krishna, the supreme master of yoga, in His own words.

18.76

राजन्संस्मृत्य संस्मृत्य संवादमिममद्भुतम् | केशवार्जुनयोः पुण्यं हृष्यामि च मुहुर्मुहुः ||१८-७६||

rājansaṃsmṛtya saṃsmṛtya saṃvādamimamadbhutam . keśavārjunayoḥ puṇyaṃ hṛṣyāmi ca muhurmuhuḥ ||18-76||

As I recall the amazing conversation between Krishna and Arjuna, I feel a deep sense of joy that never fades, and it fills my heart over and over again.

18.77

तच्च संस्मृत्य संस्मृत्य रूपमत्यद्भुतं हरेः | विस्मयो मे महान् राजन्हृष्यामि च पुनः पुनः ||१८-७७||

tacca saṃsmṛtya saṃsmṛtya rūpamatyadbhutaṃ hareḥ . vismayo me mahān rājanhṛṣyāmi ca punaḥ punaḥ ||18-77||

Remembering the Lord’s wondrous form over and over fills me with awe and joy, O king.

18.78

यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः | तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम ||१८-७८||

yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo yatra pārtho dhanurdharaḥ . tatra śrīrvijayo bhūtirdhruvā nītirmatirmama ||18-78||

Where Krishna, the master of yoga, is present and Arjuna, the skilled archer, stands, there will be prosperity, success, joy, and steadfast righteousness.