O Mighty Armed Lord, O Hrishikesha, O Keshinisudhana, I desire to understand the true difference between renunciation and sacrifice.
Shloka : 1 / 78
Arjuna
♈
Rasi
Capricorn
✨
Nakshatra
Shravana
🟣
Graha
Saturn
⚕️
Life domains
Career/Profession, Finance, Family
For those born under Capricorn, the influence of the Thiruvonam Nakshatra and the planet Saturn helps in understanding the true meaning of renunciation and sacrifice in life. In their professional lives, they will progress through hard work, but it is essential to act without concern for the results. This will help maintain their mental peace. Financially, Saturn emphasizes frugality, so it is wise for them to control expenses and invest only in necessities. Within the family, they should recognize their responsibilities and act with a sense of sacrifice, which will enhance family welfare. Both renunciation and sacrifice will create balance in their life domains and guide them towards spiritual advancement, allowing them to attain peace of mind and the light of the soul.
Chapter 18 is the final chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, which deals with liberation. In the first verse, Arjuna wishes to understand the true distinction between renunciation and sacrifice from Krishna. Renunciation refers to detaching oneself from worldly attachments, while sacrifice means dedicating all actions to the Lord. Both are essential for spiritual advancement. Arjuna's question pertains to knowing the correct application of these two. Krishna's explanation teaches the philosophy behind both, thereby enabling a deeper understanding of life's voices.
Vedanta states that renunciation and sacrifice are two spiritual paths. Renunciation means a life detached from the external world; however, sacrifice refers to performing actions as duties without attachment to their results, dedicating the fruits to the Divine. In Vedanta, while renunciation signifies complete detachment from the world, sacrifice helps individuals reach the highest meditative state. Both paths lead to spiritual advancement, freeing the mind from attachments and granting liberation. It is also important to perform duties without worrying about their results, even in renunciation. The true purpose behind both provides genuine satisfaction, allowing the light of the soul to shine brightly.
In today's world, renunciation and sacrifice represent entirely different perspectives. Within families, it is essential for everyone to take on responsibilities for one another. One should not expect renunciation to exist only in foundations. However, performing actions without concern for their results embodies the essence of sacrifice. While earning money is considered a duty, it is crucial to only seek what is naturally sufficient. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise are necessary for a long life. Parents should act as role models for their children, making every lesson they teach significant in their children's lives. Instead of wasting time on social media, we should utilize it for our growth. To reduce debt/EMI pressure, following a planned approach is essential. Long-term thinking helps safeguard our future. Keeping all this in mind, as we structure our lives, both renunciation and sacrifice will guide us.
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