Chapter 18: Moksha-sannyasa-yoga: / Verse 4

Krishna, besides being a fighter, was an administrator and ruler as well. He thus shows his administrative excellence also, in dealing with Arjuna’s question. That is how he speaks so well in setting forth his view.

After arraying the thoughts current then on the subject, Krishna presents his well thought out, more elevated ideas and evaluations. How effectively does Gita, considered a unique sastra, reflect the manner in which a subject is to be discussed and evaluated!

Krishna first says that his view is different about tyāga, relinquishment. He does not refer to sannyāsa. He has always explained that Nature works through three gunas, each of which has its role to play. No facet of human life can claim exception in the matter. So, tyāga, Krishna says, will also have to be of three kinds – sattvika, rajasa and tamasa. As humans themselves embody three gunas, their tyaga also will be correspondingly of three types.