Gita Chapter 18 - Day 01/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago.

Hari Om!

Connecting with the flow of thoughts from the previous chapters, Swamiji introduces the 18th Chapter of Śrīmad Bhagavad-Gītā -Moksha sanyāsa yoga.
1. It is the biggest and the last chapter of the Bhagavad-Gītā.
2. It is the summary (essence) of the Gītā.
3. It covers elaborately the following 7 topics for introspection based on the 3 guṇas– sāttvic, rājasic, or tamasic, which are not covered in the earlier chapters:
(i) Tyāga -renunciation
(ii) Karma -how actions must be performed
(iii) Jñāna - what is the right understanding to have while dealing with the world
(iv) kartā - how should one be/not be, as a doer of actions
(v) buddhi - how one should think – the right and wrong ways of thinking while dealing with situations
(vi) dhṛiti- what are the right/wrong ways in exercising will power while dealing with situations
(vii) sukham - what is healthy / unhealthy happiness

4. This chapter deals with many inspirational verses, which helps one bounce back when depressed.
5. In the concluding verses, Gītā guides us like a mother, making us understand how much God loves us and what He expects from us.

Verse 1.
In this verse, Arjuna addresses Bhagavān by His various names, having beautiful spiritual significance. Swamiji explains each of these names, especially the name -keśhī-niṣhūdana, along with story and the spiritual significance of this name.

Arjuna asks Bhagavān the difference between tyāga and sanyās. Why did he specifically ask this question and what do those terms mean, are answered by Swamiji.

Verse 2
To make us understand what Bhagavān is saying in this verse, Swamiji explains the five types of Karma
1. Nitya karma - daily compulsory duties
2. Naimittika karma - occasional duties
3. Kāmya karma – desire-prompted actions
4. Nishidhdha karma - prohibited actions
5. Prayashchittya karma - actions for atonement

Swamiji clears sadhakas doubts about:
a) the meaning of the words sanyās and tyāga
b) why do the scriptures allow a sanyāsi to give up kāmya Karma (worldly duties and responsibilities) to reach the goal of Self realisation.
c) why sarvakarmaphala tyāga is the method given for tyāgi.

Verse 3
The views of the wise people, on whether to give up all actions or continue to do yajña, dāna and tapaḥ, is explained.

After addressing the views of others, Bhagavān gives His opinion in the next verse.

Verse 4
Bhagavān says “now Arjuna listen to my firm answer of conviction. Tyāga is of 3 types.

Verse 5 & 6
Swamiji explains which actions Bhagavān asks sadhakas to do, and why he insists on those actions.

Summary
1. Advanced people are fit to give up actions.
2. To the extent one is able to meditate, to that extent one’s mind is purified.
3. If one is not able to meditate successfully, then through Karma Yoga, one has to purify the mind. One has to perform one’s duties by giving up attachment (saṅga)to the actions, and giving up the result(phalā) of the actions, which will purify the mind and make one fit for higher meditation and liberate oneself.

Tyāga is of three types which are discussed in the next few verses.