Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 18.12

“The threefold fruit of action—undesirable, desirable, and mixed—accrues to nonrenouncers after death, but not to renouncers.”
Key Teaching: Nonrenouncers face threefold action fruits; renouncers do not.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna states that nonrenouncers face undesirable, desirable, or mixed fruits of action after death, but renouncers escape these. This verse, continuing 18.11, addresses Arjuna’s inquiry about renunciation (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna explains action’s consequences, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s duty, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he highlights renunciation’s benefit, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes wisdom, and Karma Yoga, as he addresses action’s fruits, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s duty (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s attachment (1.3–11). This teaching aligns with Karma Yoga (2.47) and Jnana Yoga (14.20), emphasizing liberation through detachment. Krishna builds on teachings about action’s consequences (3.27, 18.6), highlighting renunciation’s freedom.

Philosophically, this verse addresses karma’s consequences, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on detachment (2.47). Arjuna’s path is clarified by understanding renunciation’s liberation. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Karma Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on escaping karma through detachment.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their consequential clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s karma, where renunciation frees. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine detachment, aligning with liberation.