प्रशस्ते कर्मणि तथा सच्छब्द: पार्थ युज्यते ||26||
The word "Sat" denotes truth and goodness and is used to express reality, auspicious actions, and noble deeds.
- Sat Bhava: State of truth and goodness.
- Sadhu Bhava: Virtuous and noble nature.
- Sacchabdah: The use of the word Sat to signify truth.
"Sat" represents truth and righteousness, marking the culmination of Krishna’s discourse on spiritual acts. He reaffirms that noble deeds, when infused with sincerity, align with eternal principles.
कर्म चैव तदर्थीयं सदित्येवाभिधीयते ||27||
The word "Sat" is also used for sacrifice, austerity, and charity that is performed in a steadfast manner.
- Yajne Tapa Dane: Steadfastness in sacrifice, charity, and austerity.
- Sad Iti: Denotes the eternal existence of goodness.
- Sat-Karma: Righteous or noble actions.
Krishna emphasizes that steadfastness in yajna, tapas, and dana is possible only when one’s actions are anchored in truth. His teachings highlight that real commitment to dharma requires unwavering sincerity and faith.
असदित्युच्यते पार्थ न च तत्प्रेत्य नो इह ||28||
Whatever is done without faith—whether it be sacrifice, charity, or austerity—is considered "Asat" (unreal) and is of no benefit here or hereafter.
- Ashraddhaya: Actions performed without faith.
- Asad: That which is unreal or ineffective.
- Pretya No Iha: Of no benefit in this world or the next.
Krishna concludes by cautioning against faithless actions. Sacrifices, penances, and charity devoid of sincerity are ultimately futile, reinforcing the core message of the Gita—that true spirituality is about intention and purity, not mere outward ritual.
Chapter 18
Moksha Sannyasa Yogah
त्यागस्य च हृषीकेश पृथक्केशिनिषूदन ||1||
Arjuna said: O mighty-armed one, I wish to know the true nature of renunciation and of relinquishment, O slayer of Keshi, distinctly.
- Sannyāsa: Renunciation of actions.
- Tyāga: Relinquishment of action fruits.
- Keśiniṣūdana: Slayer of the demon Keshi.
- Hṛṣīkeśa: Master of the senses.
Arjuna's inquiry reveals his continued confusion about seemingly contradictory paths. Having received extensive wisdom, he still seeks clarity on the distinction between renunciation and relinquishment—a subtle but crucial differentiation that will lead to the climax of Krishna's teachings.
सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं प्राहुस्त्यागं विचक्षणा: ||2||
The Blessed Lord said: Sages understand renunciation to be the giving up of desire-prompted actions; the wise declare the abandonment of the fruits of all actions as relinquishment.
- Kāmya: Desire-prompted actions.
- Kavayo: The learned sages.
- Vicakṣaṇāḥ: Those with clear vision.
- Phalatyāga: Abandonment of fruits.
Krishna begins by distinguishing between complete abandonment of action and the abandonment of fruits. This distinction addresses the common misconception that spirituality requires withdrawal from worldly activities, setting the foundation for the Gita's unique perspective on engaged detachment.
यज्ञदानतप:कर्म न त्याज्यमिति चापरे ||3||
Some learned ones declare that all action is evil and should be relinquished, while others say that acts of sacrifice, charity and penance should not be given up.
- Doṣavat: Defective or faulty.
- Manīṣiṇaḥ: Intelligent thinkers.
- Tapas: Austerity or penance.
- Apare: Others (different opinion).
Here Krishna presents differing philosophical positions without immediately declaring one superior, acknowledging the authentic diversity of spiritual traditions. This approach shows respect for various paths while preparing to synthesize them into a comprehensive understanding.