The concept of "Tyag," also known as divestment or renunciation, occupies a pivotal position in the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and wider Sanskrit literature.
Tyag can be spotted frequently in the dialogues of the characters in the Mahabharata, especially within the Bhagavad Gita, a vital scripture housed within the epic. Broadly, Tyag refers to the act of relinquishing or abandoning one's pursuits, especially the material ones that are often seen as causes of earthly attachment, and in many interpretations, suffering.
In the Bhagavad Gita, the discourse between Arjuna and Krishna presents Tyag as a complex practice of non-attachment. It doesn't strictly posture Tyag as the complete cessation of actions but rather focuses on the abandonment of an 'attachment' to the fruits of one's actions. As seen in the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Krishna tells Arjuna - "neither attachment nor aversion should motivate your actions; be centered in yourself, free from desire."
Through this counsel, Krishna implies that the renunciation that matters most is not necessarily the giving up of worldly possessions or deeds, but rather the surrender of egocentric wills and desires. It thereby perceives Tyag in a more psychological than physical paradigm, suggesting a mindfulness practice that encourages one to focus on the duty's execution without being fixated on the outcome.
Sanskrit literature, in its myriad forms, reflects similar views. In various Upanishads and Puranas, Tyag is illustrated as a key stepping stone to Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). Tyag doesn't suggest avoiding performance of duties but to perform them selflessly, embracing equanimity irrespective of the outcomes.
The concept of Tyag, therefore, echoes across these texts as a practice that leads to inner tranquility and liberation. By renouncing attachments to the fruits of actions, one may achieve a sense of detachment, a higher level of consciousness, and walk the path towards spiritual enlightenment.