Sannyasa and Sannyasin: Renunciation in the Bhagavad Gita
The spiritual core of the Bhagavad Gita addresses a foundational human question: how can an individual find inner liberation while fulfilling earthly responsibilities?
The answer is found in the deep concept of Sannyasa (renunciation). Often misunderstood as simply running away from the world or abandoning all work, true Sannyasa is defined by Sri Krishna as an internal transformation. It is not the physical abandonment of work that frees the soul, but rather the internal sacrifice of selfishness, desire, and anxiety over results.
By shifting our perspective from external abandonment to internal detachment, the Gita turns everyday life into a sacred practice, showing that anyone performing their duties without personal attachment is a true Sannyasin.
Concepts of the Bhagavad Gita (Swami)
The Philosophy of Action Without Attachment (Sannyasa)
In chapter 5- The Yoga of Renunciation of Action (Sannyasa) of the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna said to Arjuna:
And Sri Krishna also relates Sannyasa with the liberation of dualities:
For Gandhi:
“Not renouncing action but attachment to pairs of opposites determines true renunciation. A man who is always in action may be a true Sannyasin (renunciant) and another who may not be working may be a hypocrite.” .
For Swami Sivananda:
“A man does not become a Sannyasin simply by abandoning actions due to laziness, ignorance, family disputes, calamities or not having a job. A true Sannyasin is one who has no attachment or aversion to anything. Physical renunciation of objects is not renunciation at all. What is required is the renunciation of selfishness and desires.” Swami Sivananda.
In verse 2 of Chapter 6, the Yoga of Meditation (Dhyana Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita, we find another definition of Yoga: renunciation:
When was asked what the meaning of the Bhagavad Gita was, he said:
It is important to note that the last chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, which contains a summary of the teachings of the previous 17 chapters, is called precisely: The Yoga of Liberation through Renunciation (Moksha Sannyasa Yoga). Sannyasa: giving up attachments to action, not action, is clearly stated in this chapter.
This chapter begins with a question from Arjuna to Sri Krishna:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Sannyasa and Tyaga in the Bhagavad Gita?
In Chapter 18, Sri Krishna clarifies that Sannyasa refers to the renunciation of actions motivated by selfish desires (Kamya Karma). On the other hand, Tyaga is the practice of performing necessary, righteous duties while completely giving up attachment to their fruits or results (Karma Phala Tyaga). Ultimately, both paths meet in the practice of selfless action.
Can someone lead an active lifestyle and still be considered a true Sannyasin?
Yes, the Bhagavad Gita explicitly states that a true Sannyasin is defined by mental state rather than external appearance or lifestyle. Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Sivananda both emphasized that an active individual who works without attachment, preference, or aversion is a genuine renunciant, while someone who remains idle due to laziness is not.
Why is Chapter 18 named Moksha Sannyasa Yoga?
Chapter 18 is called Moksha Sannyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Liberation through Renunciation) because it summarizes the entire scripture. It demonstrates that ultimate spiritual freedom (Moksha) is directly achieved by practicing renunciation (Sannyasa), which means offering all actions, skills, and duties to the Divine without personal attachment.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the study of Sannyasa in the Bhagavad Gita reveals that true renunciation is an inclusive, empowering internal state available to every seeker. It breaks down the artificial barrier between worldly life and spiritual practice, proving that liberation is achieved not by changing our location, but by changing our intent.
Through Pedro Nonell's detailed commentaries and structural translations, modern readers can easily apply these profound insights to their lives. By letting go of our attachments to outcomes, we discover a lasting inner peace that transforms daily work into a continuous expression of divine wisdom.
Sannyasa Bhagavad Gita 
Sannyasa.
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
Training: Bhagavad Gita Course - Karma Yoga Course - Master in Bhagavad Gita
Advanced online courses:
Buy the Book: The Yoga of Wisdom (Spanish) by
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
