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Chapter 18 · Verse 8 · Moksha Sanyaas Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 18.8

philosophical Karma & Action Dharma & Duty Attachment & Letting Go

Sanskrit

दुःखमित्येव यत्कर्म कायक्लेशभयात्त्यजेत्।स कृत्वा राजसं त्यागं नैव त्यागफलं लभेत्।।18.8।।

Transliteration

duḥkham ity eva yat karma kāya-kleśha-bhayāt tyajet sa kṛitvā rājasaṁ tyāgaṁ naiva tyāga-phalaṁ labhet

Word by Word

duḥkham troublesome
iti as
eva indeed
yat which
karma duties
kāya bodily
kleśha discomfort
bhayāt out of fear
tyajet giving up
saḥ they
kṛitvā having done
rājasam in the mode of passion
tyāgam renunciation of desires for enjoying the fruits of actions
na never
eva certainly
tyāga renunciation of desires for enjoying the fruits of actions
phalam result
labhet attain
Simplified Perspective

When we abandon our duties simply to escape discomfort or bodily pain, we are renouncing from a place of fear and aversion—the rajasic quality that binds us deeper into suffering rather than freeing us from it. True renunciation comes not from running away, but from inner clarity and love of truth; it is the fire of wisdom that burns away attachment, not the smoke of avoidance.

When you find yourself wanting to quit a responsibility because it feels hard, pause and ask: Am I serving truth, or am I serving my fear?

Listen

Bhagavad Gita 18.8 — BG 18.8

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Sanskrit text from the Bhagavad Gita (public domain). Commentary © Mahakatha.

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