Chapter Overview
Arjuna asks about the difference between sannyasa (renunciation) and tyaga (abandonment). Krishna responds with a comprehensive summary of the entire Gita: the three types of knowledge, action, actor, intellect, resolve, and happiness; the duties of the four varnas; and the path to perfection through work offered to God.
The chapter culminates in Krishna's "most secret teaching" - complete surrender (sharanagati). After receiving this, Arjuna's delusion is destroyed, and he declares himself ready to do Krishna's will. The dialogue ends with Sanjaya's awe at what he has witnessed.
Key Themes
- Sannyasa vs. Tyaga: True renunciation is giving up the fruit, not the action
- Three Types Analysis: Knowledge, action, actor, intellect, etc. by the three gunas
- Svadharma: Performing one's own duty leads to perfection
- The Most Secret Teaching: Complete surrender to Krishna (18.65-66)
- Arjuna's Transformation: From confusion to clarity and readiness
Key Verses to Study
kamyanam karmanam nyasam sannyasam kavayo viduh
"The giving up of activities motivated by desire is what the wise call renunciation (sannyasa). And giving up the results of all activities is what is called tyaga by the discerning."
The essential distinction: sannyasa abandons selfish actions; tyaga abandons attachment to fruits.
yatah pravrittir bhutanam yena sarvam idam tatam
"By worship of the Lord, who is the source of all beings and who pervades everything, a man can attain perfection through performing his own work."
The synthesis: work itself becomes worship when offered to the Lord.
bhaktya mam abhijanati yavan yash chasmi tattvatah
"Only by devotional service can I be understood as I am, standing before you. And when one is in full consciousness of Me by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God."
The path: bhakti alone reveals Krishna in truth; this knowledge leads to His abode.
man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru
"Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend."
The four-fold instruction: think of Me, be devoted, worship Me, bow to Me. Result: guaranteed union.
sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam sharanam vraja
"Abandon all varieties of dharma and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."
The charama shloka - Krishna's ultimate instruction: complete surrender, and He will take care of everything.
nashto mohah smritir labdha tvat-prasaadan mayachyuta
"Arjuna said: My dear Krishna, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions."
The goal achieved: Arjuna's delusion destroyed, clarity restored, ready to act with faith.
The Three Types Summary (18.18-40)
Chapter 18 provides a comprehensive analysis by the three gunas:
- Knowledge (18.20-22): Sattvic sees one reality in all; rajasic sees separation; tamasic clings to one part as the whole
- Action (18.23-25): Sattvic is duty without attachment; rajasic is for results with ego; tamasic is deluded, harmful
- Actor (18.26-28): Sattvic is detached and steady; rajasic is passionate and greedy; tamasic is lazy and dishonest
- Intellect (18.30-32): Sattvic knows action/inaction; rajasic confuses dharma/adharma; tamasic sees wrong as right
- Resolve (18.33-35): Sattvic is unwavering yoga; rajasic seeks rewards; tamasic clings to sleep and fear
- Happiness (18.36-39): Sattvic is initially bitter, later sweet; rajasic is initially sweet, later bitter; tamasic is deluded throughout
The Path to Perfection (18.45-58)
Krishna describes the progressive path:
- Step 1 - Svadharma (18.45-48): Perform your own duty, even if imperfect; it's better than another's duty done perfectly
- Step 2 - Work as Worship (18.46): Offer all work to God who pervades everything
- Step 3 - Renounce Results (18.49): Through detached intellect, renounce fruits and attain peace
- Step 4 - Attain Brahman (18.50-53): Through purity, self-control, detachment, and meditation
- Step 5 - Devotion (18.54-55): Established in Brahman, gain supreme devotion and truly know Krishna
- Step 6 - Surrender (18.56-58): Taking refuge in Krishna, by His grace overcome all obstacles
The Grand Conclusion (18.63-66)
Krishna offers Arjuna freedom to choose, then reveals His most confidential teaching:
- "Reflect on this fully" (18.63): I have explained everything; now deliberate and act as you wish
- "Hear My supreme word" (18.64): Because you are dear, I tell you the most secret teaching
- "Four-fold devotion" (18.65): Think of Me, be My devotee, worship Me, bow to Me - you will come to Me
- "Complete surrender" (18.66): Abandon all dharmas, take refuge in Me alone - I will liberate you from all sins
This is the essence: complete loving surrender to Krishna is the ultimate path.
The Bhagavad Gita Complete!
Congratulations on completing your study of all 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita!
You have journeyed through:
- Karma Kanda (Chapters 1-6): The path of action and knowledge
- Upasana Kanda (Chapters 7-12): The path of devotion and worship
- Jnana Kanda (Chapters 13-18): The path of discrimination and liberation
The Gita concludes with the promise: wherever there is Krishna (the Lord of Yoga) and Arjuna (the sincere seeker), there is prosperity, victory, happiness, and sound morality. May this wisdom transform your life.