Gyaneshwari -Sant Gyaneshwar
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Chapter-18
Release
4. Hear then My conclusion regarding relinquishment, O Bharata. For relinquishment, O tiger among men, is declared to be three-fold. O Arjuna, this relinquishment of fruit is of three kinds. I shall now explain to you these kinds with their distinctive features (141-145). Even though there are three kinds of relinquishment, their gist is the same, which you should bear well in mind. I am all-knowing and so hear My definite opinion on this matter. The seeker, who is diligent about his salvation, should by all means act thus. 5. Acts of sacrifice, charity and austerities ought to be performed, not renounced; for sacrifice, charity and austerities purify the wise. Just as a wayfarer should not give up walking, so one should not abandon the obligatory duties such as sacrifice, charity and austerities. Just as the search cannot be abandoned until the lost thing is recovered, or the dish-plate cannot be set aside, until after a full meal (146-150), or the boat cannot be abandoned in mid-stream, or the banana tree cannot be cut before it bears fruit or the light cannot be extinguished before finding the required thing, so one should not be indifferent to performing sacrifices etc. until one becomes convinced about the knowledge of the Self. On the contrary, one should perform sacrifices, charity and austerities with greater zeal and diligence. He who walks fast gets time for rest; so performance of duties conduces to freedom from action. If a patient takes medicines regularly, he becomes free from his ailment before long (151-155). |
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