Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 1 (BG 18.1) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

18.1 संन्यासस्य of renunciation? महाबाहो O mightyarmed? तत्त्वम् the essence of truth? इच्छामि (I) wish? वेदितुम् to know? त्यागस्य of Tyaga or abandonment? च and? हृषीकेशः O Krishna? पृथक् severally? केशिनिषूदन् slayer of Kesi.Commentary The teaching of the whole of the GitaSastra is summed up beautifully in this discourse. This last discourse is a brief masterly summary of all that is told in the previous chapters. Arjuna wishes to know the distinction between Sannyasa and Tyaga.Kesi was an Asura whom Lord Krishna slew. So Lord Krishna is addressed as Kesinishudana by Arjuna.The words Sannyasa and Tyaga have been used here and there in the preceding discourses but their connotations are not lucidly distinguished. Therefore Lord Krishna clearly explains to Arjuna the right significance of the two terms in the following verse.

Commentaries

Contemporary scholarly and practical interpretations for modern seekers.

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Modern

Although Arjuna's inquiry springs from an academic interest, Lord Sri Krishna responds to it with complete seriousness. When a disciple expresses doubt or seeks understanding, he himself cannot fully perceive the depth of his own difficulty. It therefore becomes the duty of the guru to comprehend the disciple's struggle and provide its resolution. Here, Lord Sri Krishna's very endeavor is to do precisely this. This entire chapter revolves around the meaning of renunciation and monasticism. Without renunciation, monasticism is inconceivable and impossible. Should anyone attempt such a path without true renunciation, his monasticism would be nothing but hypocrisy. This chapter describes those desires, tendencies, and purposes within us that are wholly to be abandoned. Through knowledge of these, genuine renunciation of undesirable qualities becomes possible. Keeping this truth in mind, one should study this chapter; otherwise, it will surely fail to touch your heart. Keshinishudan—A demon named Keshi, assuming the form of a horse, came to slay the child Krishna, but the Lord tore him asunder into two parts. Thus He became known by the name Keshinishudan. For the determination of the essential meaning of these words—