Wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita 59

Arjuna said: 

1. I desire to know severally, O mighty-armed, the truth of Sannyâsa (Renunciation), O Hrishikesha, as also of Tyâga (Sacrifice), O slayer of Keshi. 

The Blessed Lord said: 

2. The renunciation of Kâmya (Wishful) actions, the sages understand as Sannyâsa: the wise declare the abandonment of the fruits of all works as Tyâga. 

3. Some philosophers declare that all action should be relinquished as an evil, whilst others say that the work of Yajna, gift, and austerity should not be relinquished. 

4. Hear from Me the final truth about relinquishment, O best of the Bhâratas. For relinquishment has been declared to be of three kinds, O tiger among men. 

5. The work of Yajna, gift, and austerity should not be relinquished, but it should indeed be performed; for Yajna, gift, and austerity are purifying to the wise. 

6. But even these works, O Pârtha, should be performed, leaving attachment and the fruits—such is My best and certain conviction. 

7. But the renunciation of obligatory action is not proper. Abandonment of the same from delusion is declared to be Tâmasika. 

8. He who from fear of bodily trouble relinquishes action, because it is painful, thus performing a Râjasika relinquishment, he obtains not the fruit thereof. 

9. When obligatory work is performed, O Arjuna, only because it ought to be done, leaving attachment and fruit, such relinquishment is regarded as Sâttvika. 

10. The relinquisher endued with Sattva and a steady understanding and with his doubts dispelled, hates not a disagreeable work nor is attached to an agreeable one. 

—Bhagavad Gita, 18:1-10