The eighty-third in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India’s most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.
In this talk, beginning with Chapter 18:01, Swamiji discusses what is meant by renunciation, and the difference between Sannyasa and Tyaga.
For those wishing to make a deeper study of the Gita, Swamiji’s commentary on the Gita, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening: A Practical Commentary for Leading a Successful Spiritual Life can be found at Amazon.com.
Here are the Gita verses (18:01–18:11) covered in this talk:
Those of extreme austerities–
Unscriptural–given to show
And egoity, impelled by
The force of lust and attachment, (5)
Do torture, senseless as they are,
All the organs in the body,
And Me, the body’s indweller.
Know them as of demonic will. (6)
The food also liked by each one
Is threefold, as is sacrifice,
Austerity, and almsgiving.
Hear from Me now their distinction. (7)
Food building life, purity, strength,
Health, joy, cheerfulness, appetite,
Savory, agreeable, and
Substantial–such the sattwic like. (8)
Foods that are bitter, sour, salty,
Excessively hot, pungent, dry,
And burning, the rajasic like–
Producing pain, grief, and disease. (9)
That which is stale, tasteless, stinking,
Cooked overnight, refuse, impure,
Is the food the tamasic like.
This is the truth, O Arjuna. (10)
🕉️ Here are the main points from this talk Liberation by Renunciation:
- Arjuna asks Krishna to explain the subtle distinction between sannyasa (renunciation) and tyaga (relinquishment).
- Sannyasa: Giving up actions motivated by desire.
- Tyaga: Renouncing attachment to the fruits of action—even obligatory action is performed, but without desire for results.
- Renunciation does not mean inaction; rather, it’s a conscious withdrawal of ego, attachment, and obsession with outcomes.
- Some duties—like sacrifice, charity, and austerity—must never be renounced, as they purify the heart when done without attachment.
- Krishna warns against tamasic renunciation, such as abandoning responsibilities out of delusion or escapism (e.g., abandoning family duties under the guise of spiritual life).
- True renunciation must be sattwic: wise, intelligent, detached, self-controlled, and dharmic.
- Even unpleasant tasks are accepted calmly; even enjoyable ones are not clung to.
- Real renunciation lies in performing one’s duties skillfully and selflessly, without self-seeking or avoidance.
Key Takeaway:
- Real liberation comes not from dropping out, but from dropping the ego.
Below is an audio version of this talk from our Gita Talks Podcast
Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke)
Swami Nirmalananda Giri, founder of Light of the Spirit Monastery, has spent over six decades immersed in the study and practice of Yoga and and the spiritual traditions of East and West. He is the author of more than 30 books on meditation, practical spiritual life and Sanatana Dharma. Learn more »
