arjuna uvācha
sannyāsasya mahā-bāho tattvam ichchhāmi veditum
tyāgasya cha hṛiṣhīkeśha pṛithak keśhi-niṣhūdana
arjunaḥ uvācha — Arjun said;
sanyāsasya — of renunciation of actions;
mahā-bāho — mighty-armed one;
tattvam — the truth;
ichchhāmi — I wish;
veditum — to understand;
tyāgasya — of renunciation of desires for enjoying the fruits of actions;
cha — and;
hṛiṣhīkeśha — Krishna, the Lord of the senses;
pṛithak — distinctively;
keśhī-niṣhūdana — Krishna, the killer of the Keshi demon
In this verse, Arjuna, a key character in the Bhagavad Gita, is speaking to Krishna, who is his charioteer and guide. Arjuna is asking Krishna to explain the concepts of 'renunciation' (tyaga) and 'sannyasa' (the renounced order of life). Let’s break this down into simpler terms.
1. **Who is Arjuna?**: Arjuna is depicted as a brave warrior and is facing a big moral dilemma on the battlefield. He is confused about his duties and the right actions, especially relating to fighting in a war against his own relatives.
2. **What is Renunciation?**: When Arjuna asks about renunciation, he is inquiring about the act of giving up actions or responsibilities. People often see renunciation as abandoning everything, but what Krishna will explain further is that it's not just about giving up things but more about the intentions behind our actions.
3. **The Context of the Question**: This verse is found in the eighteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, which summarizes all that has been discussed in the previous chapters. These earlier chapters describe various paths and practices for spiritual growth, where Krishna emphasizes the importance of devotion to God.
4. **Why Ask This Question?**: By asking this question, Arjuna wants to clarify a vital point: what does it really mean to renounce? Many people have different views on what renunciation entails. Some might think it means to live a life detached from the world, while others might see it as a more complex idea that includes engaging in the world without being attached to the outcomes of those engagements.
5. **Krishna’s Role**: Arjuna refers to Krishna as Hrsikesa, which means "the Lord of the senses." This name indicates that Krishna not only guides Arjuna physically but also spiritually, helping him to understand deeper truths about life. He also calls Krishna the "killer of the Kesi demon," reminding listeners of Krishna's skills and divine power to overcome obstacles. It signifies Krishna's strength in defeating ignorance and confusion, symbolic of the inner demons we all face.
6. **The Importance of Understanding Renunciation**: Understanding the true meaning of renunciation is crucial for Arjuna—and indeed for everyone—because it shapes how one approaches life and duties. Krishna, in his teachings, will explain later that true renunciation involves doing one's duty without selfish desires, which leads to peace and fulfillment.
In summary, Arjuna's question is about seeking guidance on how to live a life that balances duty and detachment. This balance is essential to spiritual practice and moral living, leading to a higher understanding and connection with the divine.