233. Four Paths of Renunciation
T he Bhagavad Gita contains eighteen chapters and 700 verses. The eighteenth chapter is called ‘Moksha Sannyas Yoga’ - Union with liberation through renunciation. It is reaching the destination, which is moksha or liberation, through the path of sannyas or renunciation. This liberation means freedom from a divisive mindset; freedom from belief systems; and finally, even freedom from renunciation itself. This chapter begins with Arjuna’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 ‘sannyas’ 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-discipline) should not be relinquished” (18.3)...