Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 18: Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
The Yoga of Liberation and Renunciation - the final chapter of the Gita summarizes the entire teaching and ends with Krishna's call to Arjuna: 'Abandon all dharmas and take refuge in me alone.'
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Chapter 18: Moksha Sannyasa Yoga - Liberation and Renunciation
The final chapter of the Gita is a comprehensive summary of the entire teaching. Krishna reviews the key points: the nature of renunciation, the three gunas, and the paths to liberation.
The Summary
Krishna summarizes the entire teaching:
- True renunciation is giving up attachment to the fruits of action
- The highest knowledge is knowing the distinction between the field and the knower
- The highest action is performed without attachment
- The highest devotee is one who loves God without expectation
The Final Call
Krishna’s final words to Arjuna are the most important teaching of the entire Gita:
“Abandon all dharmas and take refuge in me alone. I will liberate you from all sins. Do not grieve.”
This verse (18.66) is the culmination of the entire Gita. After all the teaching, all the analysis of paths and practices, the final call is simple: surrender completely to the Lord.
The Response
Arjuna, no longer confused, declares:
“My delusion is destroyed. I have regained my memory through your grace. I stand firm, my doubts cleared. I will act according to your word.”
Sanjaya, describing this to the blind king, concludes: “Where there is Krishna, the Lord of Yoga, and where there is Arjuna, the wielder of the bow - there will be victory, prosperity, and justice.”
Key Verses
Verse 66: Abandon all dharmas and take refuge in me alone. I will liberate you from all sins. Do not grieve.
Verse 73: Arjuna said: My delusion is destroyed. I have regained my memory through your grace. I stand firm, my doubts cleared. I will act according to your word.
Verse 78: Where there is Krishna, the Lord of Yoga, and where there is Arjuna, the wielder of the bow - there will be victory, prosperity, and justice.