Question: Renunciation of prescribed duty is condemned in the Bhagavad-gita As It Is verse 18.7, 18.8. Also in the purport to verse 3.4 Srila Prabhupada disapproves premature renunciation, but then he gives the bottomline, “On the other hand, if someone takes to the transcendental service of the Lord, even without discharging his prescribed duties, whatever he is able to advance in the cause is accepted by the Lord.”
So, isn’t Prabhupada giving a license here especially for students who want to practice bhakti as an escape-way to studies? Please explain the matter briefly and remove my misconceptions. I beg for your help.
Answer by Romapada Swami:
BG 18.7 defines the platform of renunciation in the mode of ignorance (i.e., renouncing prescribed duties out of ignorance). BG 18.8 defines the platform of renunciation in the mode of passion (i.e., renouncing prescribed duties because they are troublesome or cause bodily discomfort). Renunciation of prescribed duties performed on the platform of passion and ignorance are both thoroughly condemned by the Supreme Lord, because such renunciation is done under material considerations and without considering the interest of Krsna.
In BG 3.4 purport, Srila Prabhupada writes, “On the other hand, if someone takes to the transcendental service of the Lord, even without discharging his prescribed duties, whatever he is able to advance in the cause is accepted by the Lord.” When someone takes to the transcendental service of the Lord, the accompanying conscious renunciation of prescribed duties is done considering the interest of Krsna. Therefore, one who is able to operate at this level is not taking the step of renunciation out of selfish considerations but he is doing so for the pleasure of Krsna, and therefore such renunciation is on a transcendental platform.
On the contrary, the scenario that you cited for a student escaping studies (because it is troublesome) under the pretext of renunciation is a renunciation in the mode of passion (as per BG 18.8), and therefore it is not recommended.
You will find in BG 1.41 purport –
It is stated in the Bhägavatam (11.5.41):
devarsi-bhutapta-nrnam pitrnam
na kinkaro nayam rni ca rajan
sarvatmana yah saranam saranyam
gato mukundah parihrtya kartam
“Anyone who has taken shelter of the lotus feet of Mukunda, the giver of liberation, giving up all kinds of obligation, and has taken to the path in all seriousness, owes neither duties nor obligations to the demigods, sages, general living entities, family members, humankind or forefathers.” Such obligations are automatically fulfilled by performance of devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
