Gita Acharan

A fter elaborating on the four schools of thought about renunciation, Krishna says, “Now hear My conclusion on the subject of renunciation which is threefold” (18.4). The subsequent verses clarify that renunciation is of three types viz. Satva, Rajo and Tamo renunciation. Krishna further says, “Actions based upon yajna (sacrifice), daan (charity), and tapah (penance) should never be abandoned; they must certainly be performed. Indeed, acts of yajna, daan and tapah sanctify even the wise (18.5). These activities must be performed without attachment and expectation of rewards. This is My definite and supreme verdict” (18.6). Performing karma without the expectation of karma-phal is another core teaching of the Bhagavad Gita. 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 a...