Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 5: Renunciation in Action
Bhagavad Gita 5.3
ज्ञेयः स नित्यसंन्यासी यो न द्वेष्टि न काङ्क्षति ।
निर्द्वन्द्वो हि महाबाहो सुखं बन्धात्प्रमुच्यते ॥
jñeyaḥ sa nityasaṃnyāsī yo na dveṣṭi na kāṅkṣati | nirdvandvo hi mahābāho sukhaṃ bandhātpramucyate ||
One who neither hates nor craves should be known as someone who has truly renounced. Free from the pairs of opposites, mighty-armed Arjuna, such a person is easily released from bondage.
Modern context
Renunciation is given a new definition. The true renouncer is the person who neither hates nor craves, and clothing and address have nothing to do with it. Someone can live in a forest and burn with resentment. Someone else can run a household and be free. Hatred and craving are two forms of the same tie. Each keeps us fastened to its object, and when both loosen, release comes easily.