संन्यास योग The Yoga of Renunciation of Action

Sanjay Mehta

Arjun asks Bhagwan: “How can I decisively identify an appropriate path for me, since both the paths of action (Karma) and path of renunciation (Sanyaas – not clinging to the fruits of actions) culminate into knowledge .  Bhagwan answers: “Only ignorant people do not understand that both paths (Karma Yoga and Sanyaas Yoga) are the same.  The wise understands the sequence of development from the path of action (Karma) to renunciation (Sanyaas) to knowledge (Gyaan).”

A follower on the path of action who has controlled his senses, purified bis mind, and recognized his/herself as the same Self (Atma) in all, is called a Gyaani.  A Gyaani thinks “I do nothing at all – Naiva Kinchit Karomi.”  He is convinced and aware that he is just a witness of the actions taking place, like a lotus flower that floats above the water and mud in a pond.

न कर्तत्वं न कर्मणि लोकस्य सृजति प्रभु: ;
न कर्मफलसंयोगं स्वभावस्तु प्रवर्तते || १२ ||

Na kartritwam karmaani lokasya srijati prabhuh ;
Na karmaphala samyogam swabhaavas tu pravartate ||12||

Bhagwan neither created ego/arrogance nor the pursuit for the fruit of actions.  It is nature and the overall system that manifests itself.

Bhagwan accepts neither the imperfection for even the perfections of any person.  Knowledge becomes envelope by ignorance.  Therefore, people believe that Bhagwan is supposed to remove ignorance from their minds.  It is the presence of Bhagwan and individual’s self-effort which help overcome ignorance like ray of Sun removes the darkness.

विद्याविनायसम्पन्न्ने ब्राह्मणे गावी हस्तिनि ;
शुनि चैव श्वापाके च पंडिताः समदर्शिनः || १८ ||

Vidyaavinay sampanne brahmane gavi hastini ;
Shuni chaiva shvaapaake cha panditaah samadarshinah ||18||

A wise person endowed with knowledge and humility view all as equals, whether it is an animal or a human, irrespective of social or ethnic backgrounds.  A Gyaani is aware of the physical difference in all but is aware that the Atma is the same.  Knowledge does not transform the world, but it transforms the perspective of the beholder – we all are created the same and are one unified consciousness

Bhagwan emphasizes that outer sanyaas is not compulsory: inner sanyaas (not clinging to the fruits of actions) is the real sanyaas.

Essence

Image Credit
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Krishna_tells_Gita_to_Arjun.jpg