Chapter 18 • Verse 8
दुःखमित्येव यत्कर्म कायक्लेशभयात्त्यजेत्। स कृत्वा राजसं त्यागं नैव त्यागफलं लभेत्॥
duḥkham ity eva yat karma kāya-kleśha-bhayāt tyajet sa kṛitvā rājasaṁ tyāgaṁ naiva tyāga-phalaṁ labhet
Meaning
One who abandons action because it is painful or from fear of bodily discomfort — practicing such rajasic renunciation, one does not gain the fruit of renunciation.
Giving up action because it's difficult or physically uncomfortable is rajasic renunciation. This avoidance of hardship brings no spiritual benefit. True renunciation isn't about avoiding effort.
Strength Reflection
"I don't abandon duties just because they're hard or uncomfortable."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, strengthen me to embrace duty despite difficulty.