न हि देहभृता शक्यं त्यक्तुं कर्माण्यशेषत: | यस्तु कर्मफलत्यागी स त्यागीत्यभिधीयते || 11 || |
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Commentary
As long as we are embodied beings, living in the material world, complete abstention from all activities is impossible. We have responsibilities, duties, and roles to fulfill, which necessitate us to engage in various actions. We cannot simply avoid all actions or abandon our responsibilities.
However, the verse introduces a deeper understanding of renunciation. It suggests that true renunciation lies not in refraining from actions themselves, but in renouncing the attachment to the results or fruits of those actions. It indicates that our mindset and attitude towards our actions play a crucial role in determining whether we are truly renounced or not.
When we renounce the fruits of our actions, it means we let go of personal desires, expectations, and attachments to specific outcomes. We perform our actions with a sense of detachment, surrendering the results to a higher power or the natural course of life. This mindset liberates us from the bondage of ego, self-centeredness, and the constant pursuit of personal gains.
By relinquishing the fruits of our actions, we free ourselves from the burden of worry, anxiety, and the need for external validation. We become focused on the present moment and the quality of our actions rather than being consumed by the future consequences. This shift in perspective allows us to act selflessly, with a sense of duty and service, rather than being driven solely by personal motives.
True renunciation, therefore, does not require us to withdraw from the world or abandon our responsibilities. It invites us to engage fully in our duties and actions, while cultivating a mindset of non-attachment and selflessness. It teaches us to perform our actions with sincerity, integrity, and dedication, without being entangled in the desire for specific outcomes.
In essence, this understanding of renunciation enables us to lead a balanced and purposeful life. We remain active participants in the world, fulfilling our obligations, pursuing our goals, and contributing to society, all while maintaining an inner state of detachment and equanimity. It allows us to navigate through the ups and downs of life with grace, resilience, and spiritual growth.