Renunciation of fruit - the sovereign touchstone

3. In reply to this question, the Lord has said one thing clearly, that the touchstone of renunciation of fruit is of universal application. The principle of renunciation of fruit can be applied everywhere. There is no conflict between renouncing the fruit of all actions and renouncing rajasik and tamasik actions. The nature of some of the actions is such that, if we apply to them the device of renouncing the fruit, they fall off of themselves.

Performing actions after renouncing fruit means just this that some actions are to be given up. It, naturally, includes the direct renunciation of these actions.

4. Let us consider this matter a little more deeply. When we say, "The actions that are interested, that spring from desire, do them after renouncing the fruit," we cut the ground from under their feet. Faced with renunciation of fruit, actions that spring from desire and actions that are forbidden cannot stand.

The act with renunciation of fruit is not something merely artificial designed, or mechanical. When this test is applied, it becomes clear of itself what actions should be performed, and what should not be. Some people complain, "The Gita merely teaches us to perform actions renouncing the fruit, but it does not tell us what actions to perform."

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