निश्चयं श्रृणु मे तत्र त्यागे भरतसत्तम ।
त्यागो हि पुरुषव्याघ्र त्रिविधः संप्रकीर्तितः ॥ १८.४ ॥

niścayam śṛṇu me tatra tyāge bharata-sattama |
tyāgo hi puruṣa-vyāghra trividha: samprakīrtita: || 18.4 ||

Three-fold classification of sannyāsa

With these views of thinkers and scholars presented first, Krishna now sets forth his own thoughts on the subject. Till now whatever is stated is not the view of Bhagavad Gita or its author or Krishna. This must be kept in mind.

As against these verdicts, O Bhārata, listen to my considered view. Relinquishment, O tiger among men, is famed to be of three kinds.

This is where Bhagavad Gita becomes distinct and excellent in its enunciation. Krishna is preparing to go beyond the prevailing views expressed earlier. True, tyāga (relinquishment) and sannyāsa (renunciation) are the core of his teaching. In fact, these constitute the elegance of human life, its distinction. But their pursuit cannot be in disharmony with anything else.

Any value must relate to the complex human personality, which is functioning under Nature and its compulsions. Nature cannot be set aside or repudiated in any matter. At the same time, the role of intelligence, a gift of Nature, cannot be disregarded either. Where lies then the balance between the two?

Where and how to employ our intelligence and make the right choices? And where should we accept the hands of Nature and acknowledge our limitations? The consideration is quite crucial and relevant. So Krishna begins with his own full-fledged exposition of the whole subject.

Prakṛti consists of three guṇas – sattva, rajas and tamas – a point Krishna has been focussing throughout the dialogue. He applies the same guṇatraya evaluation here too in explaining the principles of relinquishment and renunciation (tyāga and sannyāsa). The exposition is quite unique and seekers should not fail in grasping it with sufficient attention.

“My considered view on the subject”, says Krishna, “is that relinquishment is of three kinds and levels.” Obviously, he refers to the three guṇas, with their respective qualities, in shaping the process of relinquishment.