Contents
Srimad Bhagavad Gita -Ramanujacharya
Chapter-18 Mokṣa Sannyāsa Yogaḥ
Liberation Through Renunciation
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Summary of the TeachingIn the preceding two chapters, the following points were made:— (a) Only actions such as sacrifices, austerities, philanthropy and other works prescribed by the Vedas lead to worldly prosperity and Liberation; nothing else (b) The general characteristic of all Vedic works is their connection with the Pranava (Om); (c) there is a distinction between the works that lead to Liberation and those that lead to mundane prosperity — designated respectively by the terms Tat and Sat.. (d) Liberation is achieved through spiritual practice and the other works done without the desire for personal gain; (e) — an enterprise made possible by the prevalence of Sattva. (f) The increase of Sattva is brought about by the adoption of a Sattvic diet. Now, in this the 18th Chapter these concepts are further elucidated:— (1) The similarity between Tyāga (relinquishment) and Sannyāsa (renunciation) which are described as the means to Liberation. (2) The nature of Tyāga. (3) Ascribing the agency of all actions to the Lord who is the Supreme Ruler. (4) Sattva Guna is magnified by an elaborate description of the effects of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. (5) How the Supreme Being is attained through work done according to one's own station in life — done as worship of the Divine and (6) Bhakti Yoga, the essential teaching of the whole of this Sacred Scripture. |
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