Bhagavad Gita 5.3 — Who Is a True Renunciate?
ज्ञेयः स नित्यसंन्यासी यो न द्वेष्टि न काङ्क्षति ।
निर्द्वन्द्वो हि महाबाहो सुखं बन्धात्प्रमुच्यते ॥ ५.३ ॥
O mighty-armed Arjuna, the person who neither hates nor craves anything should be understood as a true and constant renunciate. One who rises above the dualities of life becomes free from worldly bondage with ease.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| jñeyaḥ | should be understood as |
| saḥ | he |
| nityasannyāsī | a perpetual renunciate |
| yaḥ | who |
| na | neither |
| dveṣṭi | hates |
| na | nor |
| kāṅkṣati | desires |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| nirdvandvaḥ | free from dualities |
| hi | indeed |
| mahābāho | O mighty-armed Arjuna! |
| sukham | easily |
| bandhāt | from bondage |
| pramucyate | becomes liberated |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| jñeyaḥ | should be understood as | nirdvandvaḥ | free from dualities |
| saḥ | he | hi | indeed |
| nityasannyāsī | a perpetual renunciate | mahābāho | O mighty-armed Arjuna! |
| yaḥ | who | sukham | easily |
| na | neither | bandhāt | from bondage |
| dveṣṭi | hates | pramucyate | becomes liberated |
| na | nor | ||
| kāṅkṣati | desires | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna presents a completely new and inward definition of <em>sannyāsa</em>. He makes it clear that true renunciation is determined not by one's external appearance or lifestyle, but by the state of one's mind.
Essence
A new definition of the true renunciate
Lord Krishna explains that sannyāsa has nothing to do with clothing, place of residence, or outward renunciation. Its essence lies in the condition of the mind.
Yo na dveṣṭi na kāṅkṣati: Throughout the day, the mind swings between two extremes. Sometimes we dislike people or situations and want to avoid them; at other times we intensely crave certain objects or achievements. Lord Krishna says that the one who is free from both hatred and craving, even while living in the world, is the true renunciate.
Nityasaṃnyāsī: A person may retire to a forest, but if desires, attachments, and resentment still remain within, that person has not truly embraced sannyāsa. Conversely, someone who faithfully performs worldly duties while remaining inwardly peaceful and unattached is the real nityasaṃnyāsī—the perpetual renunciate.
Nirdvandvo hi sukhaṃ bandhāt pramucyate: Pleasure and pain, gain and loss, honour and dishonour, heat and cold are natural dualities of life. One who accepts them with equanimity gradually becomes free from inner bondage without unnecessary struggle.
Message for our lives
This verse offers a highly practical formula for inner freedom.
Renunciation at home and at work: Much of today's mental stress arises from attachment and aversion. We become jealous of another's success or restless when our desires are not fulfilled. These are the chains that bind us.
Lord Krishna teaches us to perform our duties with full dedication while refusing to tie our inner peace to results or circumstances. As attachment gradually dissolves, a person becomes inwardly free and serene, even while remaining fully engaged in worldly life.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has clarified the inner meaning of <em>sannyāsa</em>, yet another important misconception still remains. In the next verse, He explains why considering Jñāna Yoga and Karma Yoga as entirely separate paths is a sign of incomplete understanding.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
True freedom begins when cravings and resentments end.
What you neither cling to nor fight against loses power over you.
Inner peace grows where desire and hatred fade.
The mature mind is not ruled by attraction or aversion.
Bondage is sustained more by attachment than by circumstances.
Equanimity is strength in its most refined form.
Renunciation is first a transformation of the heart.