Verse-11
Chapter 18 — Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
Verse 11
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
na hi dehabhṛtā śakyaṁ tyaktuṁ karmāṇyaśeṣataḥ
yastu karmaphalatyāgī sa tyāgītyabhidhīyate
🕉 English Translation
Na deh dhariyon se ho sambhav kabhi,
Ki ve chod payein karma hee sabhi.
Magar chod deta hai phal iccha jo,
Kehlata tyagi asal mein woh.
📜 Translation
English
As it is not possible for a human as an embodied being to give up action entirely, that is why the one who is the renouncer of the fruit of action, verily he is the renouncer-this is so said.
In the matter of action the thoughts of the Gita are absolutely clear. The total abandonment of deeds has never been approved of by the Gita anywhere. Here once again is given a direct hint for the same.
While the body's last actions will keep on taking place. While the body remains actions can never be totally dropped nor can the journey of the body be carried on without them (3/8). While in the station of family life deeds relating family, worldly interactions, business relations, social activities and activities undertaken for self-elevation will always be there. When one is detached from the family life, then too actions for self-elevation will continue. Along with this, the activities pertaining to the body like eating, drinking, sleeping, waking will persist. How and where is the possibility of giving them up entirely? For this state is given the beautiful and healthy option in the Gita. Actions should take place but there should be no reaction in the form of bondage. Actions are taking place but I for myself have no desire or expectation from them. That action should produce result-that is another matter, but I have no expectation from it. Whatever is attained that will be the beneficence of the Supreme. Action is the state of the body; it is of the nature of the body; body is the power of activity; action should emanate from the body; Till here everything is all right. Inside there should be no desire or expectation for obtaining anything out of it. In accordance with the inspiration from the Gita he who performs actions by resolving in this manner is the renouncee in true sense.