Renunciation: The Art of Choosing Right Over Wrong

myNachiketa
Oct 1
3 min read

Sarvakarmaphalatyagam prahus tyagam vichakshanah Sanyas means giving up doing things just because you want something from them.

Tyag means doing your duties but not expecting anything in return.

Have you ever shared your toys or chocolates with your friends? That feels good, doesn't it? It’s a bit like letting go of something you like so much, just to make someone else happy. This gentle act of sharing teaches us the essence of renunciation, which is not always about giving up things, but about letting go of selfishness and focusing on the happiness of others!

Renunciation means choosing what is right over what is easy or what may seem tempting. Imagine a time when you faced a choice: should I take that extra cookie when my friend hasn't had any, or should I think about their feelings? This situation is an example of choosing what is right and fair, rather than just what we want. This sense of prioritising others over oneself connects to our lessons from great characters like Krishna, who taught us profound values while heroically fighting for what is just.

What Krishna Taught

Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita offer wonderful insights about life and our responsibilities. He reminds us that renunciation is not about running away from our duties but fulfilling them without greed or fear.

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When Arjuna hesitated to fight, Krishna said:

“Perform your duty, but do not be attached to the fruits of your actions.”

This means we should continue our responsibilities, like studying well or helping our families, without worrying too much about the outcome. It’s the path of selfless action, which brings true peace.

Two Types of Renunciation

In the context of Hindu philosophy, we learn about two important types:

1. Sannyasa: This is when one gives up selfish actions for a greater cause.

Little acts of Sanyasa for kids:

Choosing to play fairly in a game instead of cheating, even if cheating could make you win.
Giving up watching cartoons for a while to help your sibling with homework.
Not grabbing the biggest slice of cake but letting everyone share equally.

2. Tyaga: This means giving up attachment to results, just like you might help someone out of kindness without expecting anything in return. Little acts of Tyaga for kids:

Studying sincerely for an exam without worrying too much about marks, just happy that you learned.
Helping a friend pick up dropped books without expecting a “thank you.”
Drawing a picture with love, even if it doesn’t win a prize.

Everyday Examples of Renunciation

Sharing: Instead of keeping all your toys, you decide to share them with others. That’s renunciation!
Helping Parents: Doing chores like cleaning or cooking without being asked means you’re being selfless.
Letting Go of Anger: If someone annoys you, thinking of forgiving them instead of staying mad is a great way to practice renunciation.
Studying Sincerely: Focusing on learning rather than just wanting good grades can also be a form of renunciation.

The Benefits of Renunciation

Choosing to let go of self-centric desires can lead to numerous benefits:

Peace: You will feel calmer inside when you don't hold onto anger or jealousy.
Freedom from Fear: By not being attached to outcomes, you’ll feel less worried about failure.
Good Relationship: Selfless acts attract affection from others and nurture beautiful relationships.
Krishna’s Blessings: Connecting with Krishna through selfless actions brings His love and support into our lives.

Activity Time!

Can you think of one thing you’d like to let go of, maybe a bad habit or a selfish thought? Why not draw a picture of it or write it down? This will help you understand the essence of renunciation better.

Conclusion

True heroes are those who let go of selfishness to help others. Acts like being kind, showing compassion, or doing your duties with care may seem small, but they bring great peace and joy that lasts. When we act selflessly, we not only brighten the lives of others but shine a light on our own paths as well.

So let’s take a page out of Krishna’s book and choose to do what is right over what is easy. Remember, every act of kindness brings us closer to happiness and to each other!