Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 18 verse 7
Chapter 18 · Moksha Sanyasa Yoga

Avoidance in Disguise · Naming It Honestly

नियतस्य तु सन्न्यासः कर्मणो नोपपद्यते । मोहात्तस्य परित्यागस्तामसः परिकीर्तितः ॥

niyatasya tu sannyāsaḥ karmaṇo nopapadyate mohāt tasya parityāgas tāmasaḥ parikīrtitaḥ

Meaning

"Renunciation of prescribed duty is not proper; giving it up out of delusion is declared to be in the mode of tamas."

Explanation

Quitting your responsibilities because they feel hard, and calling it "spiritual detachment," is really just avoidance wearing a nicer name — worth noticing the difference in yourself.

Today's Life Lesson

If you're tempted to drop a responsibility today, check honestly whether it's real wisdom or just avoidance in disguise.

More verses to reflect on