Verse 18-9

कार्यमित्येव यत्कर्म नियतं क्रियतेऽर्जुन |

सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा फलं चैव स त्याग: सात्त्विको मत: || 9 ||

“O Arjuna, the renunciation of prescribed duties performed with the understanding that they are one’s obligations, giving up attachment to the results, is considered in the mode of goodness.”

Commentary

Lord Krishna explains the concept of renunciation in the mode of goodness. He advises Arjuna to perform his prescribed duties with the understanding that they are his responsibilities and obligations, without being attached to the outcomes. This attitude of detached action, accompanied by a sense of duty, is regarded as renunciation in the mode of goodness.

 

The mode of goodness is characterized by qualities such as clarity, knowledge, purity, and selflessness. When one performs their duties with a sense of responsibility, dedicating their actions to a higher purpose and not being attached to personal gain or the fruits of their labor, it reflects a sattvic (pure) approach to renunciation.

 

Lord Krishna emphasizes that it is not necessary to abandon one’s duties to attain renunciation. Instead, one should embrace their responsibilities and perform them diligently, understanding that they are part of their life’s purpose. By cultivating a detached attitude towards the results, one remains unaffected by success or failure, praise or criticism. This attitude promotes selflessness and allows one to act in a spirit of service and contribution, rather than being driven by selfish desires.

 

Renunciation in the mode of goodness is not about avoiding action but about transforming one’s mindset and motivations. It involves recognizing the transient nature of the material world and the impermanence of its outcomes. By letting go of attachment to the fruits of actions, one attains mental equanimity, clarity, and a deeper connection with their true self.

 

In this mode of renunciation, the focus shifts from personal gain to the performance of duty for the welfare of others and the greater good. It involves offering the results of one’s actions to a higher power, acknowledging that they are part of a larger cosmic order. This selfless approach brings about spiritual growth, inner harmony, and the refinement of one’s consciousness.

 

Thus, Lord Krishna encourages Arjuna to embrace his duties, perform them with dedication, and renounce attachment to the results. This attitude of selfless action, rooted in a sense of duty and detachment, leads to the development of sattvic qualities and fosters spiritual evolution.