The Yoga of Liberation by Renunciation

Arjuna opens the final chapter with a crucial question about two concepts that seem related but distinct: sannyasa (renunciation) and tyaga (relinquishment). 'Tattvam icchāmi veditum'—I wish to know the truth. He wants to understand them 'pṛthak'—separately, recognizing they might be different. This is a mature question from someone who's received seventeen chapters of teaching. Arjuna isn't confused—he's seeking clarity on subtle distinctions. Throughout the Gita, Krishna has discussed both renunciation and action, and now Arjuna wants to understand: what's the difference? Is renouncing action the same as relinquishing attachment to results? This question launches the chapter's comprehensive synthesis: Krishna will clarify that true renunciation isn't abandoning action but relinquishing attachment to fruits. The distinction matters because misunderstanding leads to either inaction or action with attachment—both miss the path.