Bhagavad Gita · Verse 18.8
Chapter 18: Moksha Sannyasa Yoga (मोक्षसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
दुःखमित्येव यत्कर्म कायक्लेशभयात्त्यजेत् । स कृत्वा राजसं त्यागं नैव त्यागफलं लभेत् ॥८॥
duḥkhamityeva yatkarma kāyakleśabhayāttyajet | sa kṛtvā rājasaṃ tyāgaṃ naiva tyāgaphalaṃ labhet ||8||
Complete Shloka Translation
One who abandons action merely because it is painful, fearing bodily discomfort, performs rajasic renunciation and does not gain renunciation's fruit.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कायक्लेश | kāyakleśa | bodily discomfort |
| राजस | rājasa | characterized by rajas |
| दुःखमित्येव | duḥkhamityeva | [term] in context of One who abandons action merely... |
| यत्कर्म | yatkarma | [term] in context of One who abandons action merely... |
| कायक्लेशभयात्त्यजेत् | kāyakleśabhayāttyajet | [term] in context of One who abandons action merely... |
| कृत्वा | sa | [term] in context of One who abandons action merely... |
| राजसं | kṛtvā | [term] in context of One who abandons action merely... |
| त्यागं | rājasaṃ | [term] in context of One who abandons action merely... |
| नैव | tyāgaṃ | [term] in context of One who abandons action merely... |
| त्यागफलं | naiva | [term] in context of One who abandons action merely... |
| लभेत् | tyāgaphalaṃ | [term] in context of One who abandons action merely... |
bodily discomfort
characterized by rajas
[term] in context of One who abandons action merely...
[term] in context of One who abandons action merely...
[term] in context of One who abandons action merely...
[term] in context of One who abandons action merely...
[term] in context of One who abandons action merely...
[term] in context of One who abandons action merely...
[term] in context of One who abandons action merely...
[term] in context of One who abandons action merely...
[term] in context of One who abandons action merely...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Avoidance of discomfort is contrasted with discerned renunciation. This should be read alongside the Gita's rejection of harmful self-torment.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"When does fear of discomfort obscure a worthwhile duty?"
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
When does fear of discomfort obscure a worthwhile duty?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to achieve purposeful living: execute your daily duties with full craftsmanship and honesty, release obsessive ego over results, and ground your spirit in timeless devotion, knowing that where righteous effort joins higher wisdom, victory is assured.