Gita Acharan

After elaborating on the four schools of thought on the subject of renunciation, Krishna says, "Now hear My conclusion on the subject of renunciation which is threefold" (18.4). From the subsequent verses, clarity comes that renunciation is of three types viz. Satva, Rajo and Tamo renunciation.  Krishna further says, "Actions based upon yagna (sacrifice), daan (charity), and tapah (penance) should never be abandoned; they must certainly be performed. Indeed, acts of yagna, daan and tapah sanctify even the wise (18.5). These activities must be performed without attachment and expectation for rewards. This is My definite and supreme verdict" (18.6). At the level of ignorance, one keeps collecting material things, gathering power, fame and influence. Renunciation is the next stage. One might treat it as a barter like donating to get fame or to attain punya (virtue) etc. Renunciation might also happen when one goes through despondency like Arjun'

  The Bhagavad Gita contains eighteen chapters and 700 verses. The eighteenth chapter is called Moksha Sanyas Yoga -union with Liberation through renunciation. It is reaching the destination, which is moksha or liberation, through the path of sanyas or renunciation. This liberation is getting freedom from our divisive mindset; freedom from belief systems; and finally, even freedom from renunciation.  This chapter begins with Arjun's question, "O Hrishikesha, I wish to know distinctly the truth of sannyas (renunciation) and tyaga (relinquishment or Abandonment)" (18.1). Krishna replies, "Sages call ' sanyas ' the renunciation of all desire ridden actions. The wise declare that ' tyaga ' is the relinquishment of the fruits of activities (18.2). Some philosophers declare that all work is tainted and should be forsaken; others declare that acts of yajna (fire rituals or selfless actions), daan (charity), and tapah (penance or self-disc