Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 18 · Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 18.1 संन्यासस्य महाबाहो तत्त्वमिच्छामि वेदितुम्
श्लोक 18.1
अर्जुन उवाच ।
संन्यासस्य महाबाहो तत्त्वमिच्छामि वेदितुम् ।
त्यागस्य च हृषीकेश पृथक्केशिनिषूदन ॥
arjuna uvāca |
saṃnyāsasya mahābāho tattvamicchāmi veditum |
tyāgasya ca hṛṣīkeśa pṛthakkeśiniṣūdana ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
अर्जुन बोले: हे महाबाहो! हे हृषीकेश (इंद्रियों के स्वामी)! हे केशी दैत्य का वध करने वाले! मैं संन्यास और त्याग, दोनों का तत्त्व अलग-अलग जानना चाहता हूँ।
Meaning in English
Arjuna said: O mighty-armed one, O Hrishikesha (master of the senses), O slayer of Keshi, I wish to know the true nature of sannyasa (renunciation) and of tyaga (relinquishment), each separately.
Bhagavad Gita 18.1 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| संन्यासस्य | saṃnyāsasya | of renunciation (sannyasa) |
| महाबाहो | mahā-bāho | O mighty-armed one |
| तत्त्वम् | tattvam | the true nature |
| इच्छामि | icchāmi | I wish |
| वेदितुम् | veditum | to know |
| त्यागस्य | tyāgasya | of relinquishment (tyaga) |
| च | ca | and |
| हृषीकेश | hṛṣīkeśa | O Hrishikesha, lord of the senses |
| पृथक् | pṛthak | separately, as distinct |
| केशिनिषूदन | keśi-niṣūdana | O slayer of the demon Keshi |
Explanation
Arjuna opens the final chapter with a question. He wants to know the real meaning of sannyasa, renunciation, and of tyaga, relinquishment, and how the two differ. Both words have come up again and again in the dialogue, and he asks Krishna to set them out clearly, one beside the other.
The question gathers up threads from chapters 3, 5 and 6, where Krishna praised both giving up action and acting without attachment. Shankara sees the chapter as a summary of the whole Gita and reads Arjuna as asking whether the two terms mean different things or one. Ramanuja holds that both words point to the same inner discipline, giving up attachment to fruits and the sense of doership, and that the chapter will show this. Many readers note that Arjuna's three names for Krishna frame the request with affection and respect.
भावार्थ
अर्जुन ने कहा — हे महाबाहो, हे हृषीकेश, हे केशिनिषूदन, मैं संन्यास और त्याग का वास्तविक स्वरूप अलग-अलग जानना चाहता हूँ। दोनों में क्या भेद है, यह मुझे स्पष्ट बताइए।
Living it today
When two ideas seem to blur together, ask plainly for the difference. Clear words make for clear choices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 18.1?
Arjuna opens the final chapter with a question. He wants to know the real meaning of sannyasa, renunciation, and of tyaga, relinquishment, and how the two differ. Both words have come up again and again in the dialogue, and he asks Krishna to set them out clearly, one beside the other.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 18.1?
Arjuna speaks this verse, in Chapter 18 (Moksha Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.1 in daily life?
When two ideas seem to blur together, ask plainly for the difference. Clear words make for clear choices.
Reflected on verse 18.1?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.