Renunciation, especially of actions; by Gita 3.4 outward renunciation alone does not bring perfection.
19 results
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Article
Tired and ready to do nothing? The Gita says no one can stop acting, even for a moment (3.5), and that a still body with a busy mind is no rest (3.6). It offers a better way (3.7).
Level: Simple English 6 min Can We Simply Stop Acting?
Article
When life feels too heavy, what should you drop and what must you keep? The Gita's answer in plain words: let go of the grip on results, keep your duties and the habits that keep you clean, and do what is needed because it ought to be done.
Level: Simple English 6 min Relinquishment and Renunciation of Action
Article
Tired and wanting to leave everything? The Gita says peace does not come from quitting work but from letting go of clinging, and that real renunciation happens inside you.
Level: Simple English 6 min Renunciation or Karma Yoga?
Article
Must you give up everything to find peace, or can you keep working and still be free? Gita 5.1–7 and 6.1–4 verse by verse: why the Lord calls both paths good, why karma yoga is better, and what real renunciation is.
Level: In Depth English 14 min Renunciation or Karma Yoga?
Article
What does Arjuna ask in the Gita, when, and why? Fourteen main questions in the order of the book, what each shows about his state of mind, the first line of Lord Krishna's answer, and where to read the full reply.
Level: In Depth English 14 min Arjuna's Questions
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What does the Gita ask us to give up, and what must stay? Gita 18.1–12 verse by verse: renunciation and relinquishment defined, the duties that are not to be dropped, three reasons for giving up, and why only the fruit can be let go.
Level: In Depth English 13 min Relinquishment and Renunciation of Action
Article
If action binds and knowledge is higher, why not stop acting? Gita 3.1 to 3.8 explained in order: no one can stop, the pretender, the better way, and why action beats inaction.
Level: In Depth English 12 min Can We Simply Stop Acting?
Article
Do Arjuna's questions only open the door to the Gita, or do they shape it? Their wording, three threads that run through them, the echo of that wording in the replies, two streams of commentators, and objections answered.
Level: Deeper English 15 min Arjuna's Questions
Article
Arjuna asks why he must act if knowledge is higher. The Lord's reply (3.4 to 3.8) shows that freedom lies in the claim and not in the motion. A close reading, the traditions and the objections.
Level: Deeper English 16 min Can We Simply Stop Acting?
Article
Gita 18.1–12 read closely: Arjuna asks for renunciation and relinquishment apart, the Lord defines both, then shows that duty stays and only the clinging goes. The argument, the commentators, four objections and five further questions.
Level: Deeper English 16 min Relinquishment and Renunciation of Action
Article
A close reading of Gita 5.1–7 and 6.1–4: why the Lord calls both paths good yet ranks them, what real renunciation is, where the commentators differ, four objections answered, and the questions the verses raise.
Level: Deeper English 19 min Renunciation or Karma Yoga?
Quick summary
A short revision of Arjuna's fourteen questions in the Gita: where each one comes, what puzzle of the mind lies behind it, and where the answer is found.
English 11 min Arjuna's Questions
Quick summary
When tired and ready to give up everything, is it possible to stop acting? In Gita 3.1 to 3.8 the Lord tells that giving up action does not bring freedom, and what the right road is.
English 7 min Can We Simply Stop Acting?
Quick summary
By Gita 18.1 to 18.12, what is the difference between renunciation and relinquishment, what is to be given up and what is not? Why sacrifice, giving and austerity are not given up, and how action done as duty is clear relinquishment.
English 10 min Relinquishment and Renunciation of Action
Quick summary
Is it necessary to give up everything for peace, or can one stay free while working? Arjuna's question and the Gita's answer: both paths give the supreme good, and karma yoga is the better.
English 11 min Renunciation or Karma Yoga?
Quick summary
The Gita praises action, knowledge, meditation and devotion, all four. Do they clash, and where should one begin? The Lord's answer is here.
English 8 min The Paths: Action, Knowledge, Devotion
Hub
Arjuna asks why he must act if knowledge is higher. The Lord's answer in Gita 3.1 to 3.8: stopping does not free anyone, no one can stop, and the better way is a ruling mind with unclinging work.
Hub
What exactly does the Gita ask us to give up, and what must we keep? Start here: renunciation drops desire-driven acts, relinquishment drops the claim on the fruit, and duty stays.
Hub
Must you give up everything for peace, or can you keep working and still be free? Start here: the Gita's answer is that real renunciation is inside, and both paths reach one goal.