yaṁ sannyāsam iti prāhur yogaṁ taṁ viddhi pāṇḍava
na hyasannyasta-saṅkalpo yogī bhavati kaśhchana
yam — what;
sanyāsam — renunciation;
iti — thus;
prāhuḥ — they say;
yogam — yog;
tam — that;
viddhi — know;
pāṇḍava — Arjun, the son of Pandu;
na — not;
hi — certainly;
asannyasta — without giving up;
saṅkalpaḥ — desire;
yogī — a yogi;
bhavati — becomes;
kaśhchana — anyone
This verse emphasizes that true renunciation, or giving up certain desires, is closely connected to yoga, which is about connecting with the Supreme, or a higher power. Essentially, you cannot be considered a true yogi unless you give up the desire for things that simply satisfy your own senses and selfish wants.
To break it down: when people talk about renunciation, they often think it means doing nothing, or giving up everything. However, this verse is saying that to truly follow the path of yoga, one must understand that real happiness does not come from chasing after things that please the senses, like food, fame, or money. Instead, it comes from understanding who we really are and connecting with something greater than ourselves.
For example, imagine you are in a race, always running after the next big thing you think will make you happy—be it a new gadget, a fancy car, or the latest trend. But what the verse is suggesting is that if you take a step back and realize that these things don't bring lasting happiness, you can find a deeper sense of fulfillment. When someone recognizes that these fleeting pleasures do not define their happiness, they begin to act differently.
The verse also points out that when a person understands their true nature—meaning they see themselves not just as an individual but as part of a larger whole—they are on the right path. When we feel trapped in our material desires, we often forget that we are connected to a greater force or energy. But when we become aware of this connection—for example, through practices like meditation, prayer, or acts of kindness—we naturally start to step away from purely material pursuits and begin to focus on the spiritual side of life.
Furthermore, when someone reaches this state of Krsna consciousness, they are committed to serving the Supreme (like Krsna) instead of indulging in self-focused pleasures. It is not just about stopping all pleasure; rather, it's redirecting that desire towards something fruitful and meaningful. This is what makes someone both a sannyasi (someone who renounces) and a yogi (someone who connects).
In simpler terms, if you are caught up in your own needs and desires, you will struggle to find true happiness. But when you let go of these self-centered pursuits and focus on actions that serve a higher purpose or benefit everyone, you will find a greater sense of peace and joy. The ultimate goal is to stop being selfish and to work towards making the Supreme happy, which in turn brings genuine satisfaction to ourselves.
The way forward is about eliminating selfishness and replacing it with a willingness to support and serve something greater. This shift in focus—from self-centered actions to selfless service—represents the heart of both renunciation and yoga. By doing so, anyone can cultivate a life filled with deeper meaning, connection, and happiness.