Bhagavad Geetha Chapter 18: Moksha Sanyasa Yoga — Moksha — The Path of Liberation

Chapter 18: Moksha Sanyasa Yoga

Moksha — The Path of Liberation

Part of the Bhagavad Geetha — Complete Commentary by Guruji M. Mohan Sundar

NOTES:- Moksha is the Supreme Goal for the followers of Sanathana Dharma. Moksha simply means the seeker disseminating his Individual Consciousness (aathma) into the Universal Consciousness (God), just as a river infusing itself into the Sea. Whichever seeker attains this Moksha will never return into the creation through the cycle of births and deaths phenomena. In order to attain Moksha the seeker has to attain total detachment to the material world and also from the senses. This is possible only through purification of accumulated Karma of innumerable births and also with the purification of all emotional debt known as Runa. Karma and Runa are the wheels of chariot of life which is driven by the Individual consciousness through the horses known as Mind and Intellect. When the two wheels i.e. Karma and Runa are completely purified (cleansed) through Right Sanathan Spiritual practices, the Individual Consciousness is totally freed from the bondages of Karma and Runa which hitherto was bounded by them, then the Individual Consciousness which has no barrier and bondages totally becomes unattached to the worldly life as well as the creation. Therefore the Individual Consciousness naturally disseminates into the Universal Consciousness losing its individuality forever and never to return. Attainment of this state is called Moksha.

Arjuna questioned, "O' Lord, YOU are the ONE pervading in everything. Now I want to know what are the principles of Sanyasa and Sacrifice, each one separately ". Then Lord Krushna said, "Arjuna, several pandits are of the opinion that giving up the actions that are for the fulfilment of desires, as Sanyasa Yoga. And other philosophers think that giving up their fruits of their actions, as sacrifice (Tyaaga) ". Some pandits are of the opinion the actions are always infused with desires knowingly or unknowingly. Therefore, the actions are always defective and deficient in nature by way of some attachments behind them. Therefore, they (actions) deserve to be renounced. The other pandits are of the opinion that, the actions like Yagna, Charity, Thapas, i.e., Austerity, such actions are not worthy to be renounced. Notes: Here Lord Krushna is explaining to Arjuna that, some great pandits are of the opinion that, actions could be always deficient and defective in nature and therefore the actions are worthy to be renounced (keeping away from doing any worldly actions ). Some other pandits are of the opinion that, the holy actions like performing Yagna for appeasing the Gods for the wellbeing of the world, doing the Charity, and performing the other Austerities (Thapas), such actions should not be given up and they are worthy to be followed for all times. Arjuna, between Sanyasa (detachment) and Tyaaga (Sacrifice), I will tell MY opinion about Sacrifice first. The sacrifices are of three types i.e., Sathwika (Divine), Rajasa (Semi-divine) and Thamasa (demonic). Yagna (sacrifice of holy materials as offerings to Gods through fire for the wellbeing of the world), Charity and Austerities do not deserve to be sacrificed, because they are the sanctioned mandatory duties of a seeker. Following these above three mentioned actions makes an intelligent person holy.

Note: Lord Krushna explains the secret of an intelligent person how to be holy by performing Yagna, charity and Austerities because intelligence is considered as Semi-positive trait. Intelligence can always lead a person, if he intends, towards the positive side or towards the negative side, thereby intelligence can be spiritually misleading. Therefore, to direct the intelligence towards the higher order, it is necessary to perform the holy acts like Yagna, doing charity without expectations and following the Austerities (restrictions towards negative tendencies). Intelligence will have no option but to become evolutionary, and thereby the person can become Holy. Arjuna, Yagna, Charity, Austerities, such activities and also other positive activities must be done as a duty without attachment along with the sacrifice of fruits of such actions. This is MY confirmed opinion. It is not right to sacrifice the scripturally sanctioned actions (be it spiritual or worldly duties). But to give up such sanctioned actions because of worldly infatuation is a Thamasik (negative) sacrifice (that means abstaining from allotted and accepted duties).

Note: Lord Krushna said here that, the actions which are mandatory either in the Spiritual domain or in the case of worldly duties like doing one's duty at one's workplace, doing duties to his family and fulfilling the responsibilities and any helpful service to the society should not be given-up in the name of Sanyasa (detachment), or Tyaaga (sacrifice) because of fear of incurring Karma. If one thinks that, whatever duties he does brings sufferings and with such notion if he gives up doing action or because of any physical strain (laziness) if actions are given up, then it is a Rajasik sacrifice (omission of allotted and accepted duties). Such, sacrifice does not produce any good or positive effect or benefit. Arjuna, if sanctioned duties are done with an attitude of detachment for the fruits of such actions, such an action also become a Sathwik Sacrifice. One who does not hate any duty wested to him in which he is not skilled, and also in those duties where he is skilled, yet does both the duties without attachments such a person is a man of Sathwa Guna (Positive trait). And he is the true renunciate doing right sacrifice. Having donned the physical body, it is not so easy to renounce the fruits of Karma (action). But, if any one can renounce the fruits of action, he is the real sacrificer/renunciate. Those who are not able to renounce the fruits of their action which could be good, bad or mixed in his life time, such fruits of his actions, he will experience it after death. But one who renounces the fruits of his actions, such a person's fruits get renounced in this world itself, and it does not follow him after death. Arjuna, there are five ways described in Sankhya Philosophy about how to renounce the fruits of action in this world itself. Now I AM going to explain and be attentive. You are the presiding person for action and the fruits of your actions is also in your hands to renounce. Among the five ways of renouncing the fruits of action, the fifth one is Divine in nature. A man does action through his mind, talk and body, whether his actions are according to the scriptures or otherwise, for such an action the five reasons are responsible. A person of unholy mind always thinks that he is the doer and therefore he drags his Individual Consciousness as the one who does the actions, and the dirt of his action is super imposed on his consciousness and he can never understand this because of his ignorance. A person who is established in total equanimity state and who has overcome the feeling "I am the doer" and whose intelligence and mind are not attached to worldly aspects, and if he is also not attached for the actions he does, such a person even if he kills all the people of the world, the sin of such action will not get attached to him and bind him in the cycle of births and deaths.

Note: Here it is important to note that, any person who has totally won over his Individuality of doing action and got established in the Equanimity State of Mind, who is not totally attached to worldly aspects, such a person's actions do not bind him even if he kills all the people in the world. On the other hand such a person is a tool in the hands of God/ Supreme Being. Here Krushna is hinting at the Mahabharatha war where killing for the good of the world for upholding righteousness is going to be done and to erase the fear of sin from the mind of Arjuna and further hinting that Arjuna is going to be the tool in the hands of Lord Krushna / Supreme Being. When the Supreme knowledge of a person influences him to do action, and if he does action in tune with the Supreme Being and as if HE (Supreme Being) alone is doing it, then this is the secret of doing right action (divination of action). The three traits that influence a person as his knowledge, the action he does and the feeling of he is the doer, these are the three fundamental phenomena which I AM going to explain now. One who has Spiritual Knowledge through which he is able to perceive the presence of the indestructible Supreme Being/ GOD as an undivided phenomena in all the living and non-living beings, such a person's knowledge is Sathwika (Positive). If the knowledge in a person makes him to perceive different aspects of creation with different attitudes as if they are different aspects, such a knowledge of differentiation is Rajasik (Semi-positive) knowledge. If the knowledge of a person limits him exclusively to his own body and does actions with attachments, such a knowledge is Thamasika (negative in nature). If a person's actions are in accordance with the sanctions of the scriptures and he does actions without any feeling of 'I am doing the action' and does not expect fruits of his actions and not attached to the fruits that may arise by his actions, such a person's actions are Sathwik in nature. The action of any person which involves his full involvement and expect the enjoyment of the fruits of such actions, and such actions are usually associated with ego and therefore the actions of such a person is Rajasik in nature. The actions done which involve loss to others, causing violence and other destructive aspects and done without any proper judgment, such actions are born out of ignorance and they (actions) are Thamasik in nature. A person who is doing action is not egoistic and not influenced by others and shows courage and conviction in doing his action, and does not bother about the success or failures of his actions, and who is free from perversions with regard to his actions, such a person is said to be Sathwik in nature. A person whose actions are filled with attachments and seeking the enjoyment of the fruits of his action and who is stingy in nature and does not bother causing inconvenience/ problems to others and unholy in nature, highly influenced by happiness and sorrows with regard to his actions, such a person is Rajasik in nature. An action doer who is unreasonable, extremely egoistic and does not bother about causing harm to others life, lazy in nature and does actions very slowly, such a person is Thamasik in nature. Arjuna, your intelligence and your firmness to do actions according to the Three Gunas is going to be described by ME now. Any person's intelligence which directs him when to act and when not to act, and guides him free from fear, and protective for his actions and makes him aware about the actions that binds and the actions that liberate, such a person's intelligence is Sathwik in nature. Any person's intelligence which cannot differentiate righteousness and unrighteousness, and what is righteous duty and what is not duty, such a person's intelligence which does not know the truth is Rajasik in nature. Arjuna, any person's intelligence influenced by negative trait (Thamo Guna) will tend to think even unrighteousness as righteousness, and the intelligence thinks in a perverted way about every other aspect, such a person's intelligence is Thamasik in nature. Arjuna, one who develops unflinching capacity to withstand firmly through Meditation process, such a person will be able to control his mind, breath and senses and their functionings easily. Such an unflinching firmness is Sathwik in nature. A person who is interested in the fruits of his action, but has firmness and does his actions without bothering about Dharma (righteousness) and only interested in fulfilment of desires. Such a person's firmness is Rajasik in nature. A person of negative intelligence, his firmness is always plagued by fear, worry and sorrows and closer to insanity. Such a person's firmness is Thamasik in nature. Arjuna, now I will say about three types of bliss and listen to ME. The bliss that is obtained by devotional singing (Bhajans), Meditation on the Supreme Being, and service to other Living Beings will produce Sathwik Bliss putting an end to the sorrows. Such bliss in the beginning, one may find it difficult almost appearing as a poisonous one (difficult one), yet gradually it leads to immortality. Therefore, the intelligence that is fixed on the Supreme Being produces the bliss which is Sathwik in nature. The happiness that is derived through senses and the worldly aspects appears nectar in the beginning, and gradually it turns out to be poisonous. And such a happiness is Rajasik in nature. The happiness derived physically which draws the consciousness also into infatuation leading to sleep and laziness and other negative aspects, and such happiness is Thamasic in nature. Arjuna, the Earth, Sky, Gods and Goddesses and anywhere in the nature, the three traits are fundamental and there is no such a thing which is free from these three traits within the creation. Brahmana (Vedic Scholars), Kshatriya (Warriors), Vaishya (Traders), and Shudras (Skilled workers), these people's actions are born out of their own traits.

Note: The actions of person's are mainly controlled by three traits, one of which will be dominant in the four Varnas. When Sathwa Guna is dominant, a person generally tend to take Vedic studies, Spiritual order and following it. Those in whom, the Rajasik trait is dominant, they usually tend to take up aggressive fighting jobs like Army, Police, etc. Those in whom, the Thamasik trait is dominant, even though other two traits are there, these persons tend to develop service skills to serve the society and become the fundamental requirement for the society to go on. For example, a farmer feeds the society through his produce, and other skilled workers offer service to the society. Controlling the mind; controlling the senses; bearing difficulties to follow righteousness; being pure from inside and outside, helping the fellow beings, forgiving the mistakes of others, keeping the mind, senses and body in-line; study of Vedas and scriptures and believing in higher planes of existence and believing the existence of SUPREME BEING/GOD. These are all the qualities of a Brahmana in whom the Sathwa Guna is Dominant. The valour, radiance, courage and firmness, efficiency and tolerating any inflicted pain in the war, not running away from the war field, giving charity and sincere to his chief are the characteristics of the Kshatriya in whom Rajo Guna is dominant. The Vaishyas have trading traits which is their main action field, and the Shudras provide service to the society through their skills. And these have combination of Sathwa and Rajo Guna, but Thamo Guna is dominant. Those who perform their actions that have been inherited by them through their traits and tendencies, will be able to realise the Supreme Being/ God by performing their duties sincerely, honestly and righteously. Arjuna, listen to ME about those who are doing their duties that have come down to them according to their nature, and how through Karma Yoga they can realise the Supreme Being/GOD. Those who perform their duties as a worship to the Supreme Being, who is the cause for entire living and non-living creation, such people would realise the Supreme Being through Karma Yoga. Arjuna, it is worth to follow and do the duties that one's nature has provided and it is not worth to follow or step into some other's shoe, where one does not fit in, even though that may be better than the one which the person is already doing. Therefore, it is better to follow one's instinctive actions suitable to one's nature (not criminal actions), and when it is done with dedication and devotion, he shall not incur any sin. And it is better to do such ACTION which is DEARER to one's NATURAL INSTINCT than doing ACTION which is not suitable to his natural instinct however well organised the other man's field of action is (Paradharma).

Note: If one does Action suitable to his natural instinct, he does not get into the bondage of karma (because his work becomes worship for him). Swadharma here means inborn natural instinct . Action which is aligned to one's natural instinct is such an action which is of his immense interest so that he can invest his heart, mind and soul into it and do it with best possible application, dedication and discipline and be successful. In this stanza Lord Krushna is reminding Arjuna of his Swadharma i.e., as a warrior it is his duty to fight the war to establish righteousness (Dharma). Also, one can excel in his Action when it is suiting to his natural instinct. This stanza does not mean that someone with natural instinct for crime should follow his instinct. Criminal instinct is not only immoral, illegal and harmful to society but also above all it is against Dharma (righteousness). Therefore, he should fight to overcome such a negative, harmful and spiritually downgrading instinct. Swadharma is only applicable to spiritually evolutionary instinct. Intelligence is a semi-positive trait (Rajo-Guna) which can lead either towards positive or negative side of life depending on the quantum of wisdom. Wisdom is purely a divine trait and it is always evolutionary in its nature. Therefore, wisdom alone can guide one towards positive Swadharma. Arjuna, it is always better to do the action which is natural to one's tendency because every action will have one or other deficiency, just as fire is covered by smoke. Therefore, one should not give up performance of his action with devotion. A person's intelligence which is not attached to anything and who has won over his emotions, such a person will attain the Supreme Status of not doing action in midst of action. Through knowledge, one even in the midst of action is not attached to any of his action but does his action with devotion, such a person will realise the Supreme Being. How it could be done, that I AM going to explain it to you now. One who has got purity of intelligence, eats reasonably and timely, keeps away from noisy atmosphere and fixes himself in total focus on the Supreme Being and takes control of senses, mind, talk, and the body, win over the emotions, and totally detached from ego, desires, anger and show-off, indulges in constant Meditation on Supreme Being. Such a person is entitled to be in-tune with the Supreme Being for all times. One who is established in THAT Supremely Blissful Supreme Being will not grieve for anything and also will not expect anything, and in-turn he will have Equanimity towards all the living-beings. Such a person gets MY Grace. One who gets MY Grace, he will be able to know ME and MY nature. Through devotion on ME, he will be able to enter into ME. One who is devoted to ME, yet he is doing all actions that are supposed to be done by him, he gets MY Grace and he will be able to reach ME attaining the Supreme Status. Therefore, Arjuna establish your mind and intellect in the equanimity (EVEN state) through Yoga (Meditation) and do your actions dedicating all of them to ME.

Note: This stanza sums up the entire message of Bhagavad Geetha. It says that we should develop EVEN or Equanimity state of mind through the practise of Yoga which includes divine Meditation, Naama Japa, Manana (constant remembering) and Shravana (hearing of divine names), Archana etc., and dedicate all our actions (right actions) to the Supreme Being. Arjuna, as I said earlier if you fix your attention on ME, you will be able to overcome the difficulties easily. And if you do not listen to MY advice, you will move away from attaining ME, and on the other hand, you will go down in your spiritual evolution. If you, because of your ego think that, you will not fight the war, such a decision of yours is nothing but a mirage. Because your nature itself (as warrior) will drive you towards war. Hey Arjuna, the son of Kunthi, the action which you do not want to do, but your nature bound by Karma will make you to fight this war. Arjuna, in all the bodies I AM established as inner most entity and because of MY spell cast on them, all are doing their actions according to their karma. Arjuna, in all possible ways surrender to THAT Supreme Being and by HIS Grace you will be able to attain Supreme peace and in-turn Eternal State by dissolving into the Supreme Being. Arjuna, I have imparted the secret and sacred knowledge to you. Now, you understand the knowledge completely and debate within yourself and decide whatever course of action you want to take.

Note: It is interesting to note that Lord Shree Krushna who has given all the knowledge like Karma Yoga, Jnana yoga, Bhakthi Yoga and the role of Tri-Gunas has not compelled Arjuna nor used undue influence as a friend to persuade Arjuna to fight the war ( because of which this knowledge was necessitated to be imparted to Arjuna), yet HE asked Arjuna to take his own decision with regard to what course of action he wanted to take in the light of this knowledge, and has given complete freedom to Arjuna to take decision of his own. Arjuna's decision either to fight the war or not to fight the war could become his own decision and he will be governed by the Karma of such a decision which he was allowed to take, showing that Krushna as Supreme Being is not interfering with Arjuna in taking his decision. This is the lesson that the seeker has to realize that each one takes decisions according to his traits, tendencies and the quantum of spiritual knowledge he possesses. This spiritual knowledge, if it is there to any extent in any person it will influence his intelligence to take right decision at right moment because nature will also help him in taking decision. Supreme Being/ GOD does not take anybody's karma, nor will interfere in anybody's karma but devotion to GOD/ Supreme Being helps in invoking HIS GRACE which in-turn will help the seeker to take right decision. Blaming God for what all happens to an individual becomes foolishness because his carried forward three traits and his past Karma of innumerable births are responsible for what all is happening to him. But through devotion to God, he can invoke HIS grace which will help him to overcome the play of Karma by way of smoothening it's actions on him. Arjuna, you being closer to ME, I have given this secret and sacred knowledge to you. I once again give you advice in the following way. Arjuna, surrender your mind to ME, become a devotee of ME, worship ME, and bow down to ME again and again. If you do so, you will attain ME. I AM telling you this truth with emphasis because you are associated with ME. Arjuna, surrender all of your actions to ME and take refuge in ME, All your sins will be absolved ( of waging war ). Do not worry. Do not teach this Gita knowledge which is very Holy, to a person who has no penance, does not have devotion and not interested to listen and above all to those who question MY very existence. Those who are devoted to ME and pass on this knowledge of Gita to MY devotees, such a person will attain ME, there is no doubt about it. He who passes on this knowledge of Gita to MY devotees, such a person is dearer to ME . Those who read this knowledge of Gita that has been discussed between us will also amount to worshipping ME through this knowledge. Whoever listens to this knowledge of Gita with total dedication without any doubt, he will also be freed from all the sins and will attain better and higher spiritual planes of existence. Shree Krushna asked "Arjuna, is your infatuation caused by your ignorance disappeared after hearing this knowledge given by ME ? ".

Arjuna said, " Krushna after listening to YOU, and by YOUR grace all my doubts have disappeared. Therefore, I am ready to follow your orders ".

Note: The knowledge of Geetha, has removed all the delusions that Arjuna had in his mind with regard to fighting the war and killing his own blood related brothers (enemies) and revered Gurus. Therefore everyone, who is interested to acquire knowledge must do his actions without any consideration of "my people" or "others". xÉgeÉrÉ EuÉÉcÉ |

Sanjaya said to Dhrutharastra, " O' King, Lord Krushna has enlightened Arjuna with HIS wonderful knowledge, and I am thrilled to hear their conversation ". I have received the grace and blessings from the great Saint Shree Veda Vyasa and got Divine vision through his grace and just seen the wonderful conversation between Lord Krushna and Arjuna directly (Virtually). Sanjaya continued, " O' King, I am remembering again and again the conversation between Lord Krushna and Arjuna about Gita and I am getting thrilled again and again ". O' King I am remembering the Cosmic Form that Lord Krushna has shown to Arjuna, again and again and I am wondering within myself and also enjoying again and again. Sanjaya concluded saying, " O' King, wherever Lord Krushna and Arjuna are there, there lies wealth, victory, glory and Dharma (comprehensive righteousness). And This is my opinion ". HERE ENDS THE MOKSHA SANYASA YOGA AND ALSO BHAGAVADH GEETHA NAMO SHREE KRUSHNAAYA NAMAHA " He who knows best about Bhagavadh Geetha is Lord Krushna Himself because He is the preacher of it. All others are mere interpreters ".