In the preceding two chapters, the following topics were treated: (1). Vedic actions such as sacrifices, austerities, gifts etc., alone constitute the means for prosperity and final release. (2). The general characteristic of all Vedic acts is their connection with the Pranava (Om-kara). (3). Of these, there is a distinction made between the means for final release and the means for prosperity, since they are designated respectively by the terms Tat and Sat. (4). The means of liberation is acts that are free from the desire for fruits. (5). Their performance is possible by the preponderance of Sattva. (6). The increase of Sattva is effected by the use of Sattvika food. Then, in the 18th Chapter, the chapter now dealt with, these are further elucidated: (1). The identity between abnegation (Tyaga) and renunciation (Sannyasa) which are described as the means for liberation. (2). The nature of abnegation (Tyaga). (3). Attributing the agency of all actions to the Lord, the ruler of all. (4). The necessity of Sattva Guna by an elaborate description of the effects of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. (5). The way by which the Supreme Person is attained through acts appropriate to one’s own station in life and constituting the worship of the Supreme Person. (6). Bhakti Yoga which is the essential teaching of the whole of the Gita-shastra. Arjuna first asks whether Tyaga and Sannyasa are different or identical and what their nature is:

Both Sannyasa and Tyaga as a means for release are enjoined in such Shrutis: ‘Not by rituals, nor by progeny, nor by wealth but by Tyaga alone do some attain immortality...’ (Ma.Na., 5.14). Ascertaining the truth about the Supreme Reality from a knowledge of Vedanta, and becoming purified in mind by the means of Sannyasa Yoga, these Yatis (ascetics), at the dissolution of their bodies, attain the Lord who is higher than the freed selves and become liberated from bondage’ (Man.U., 3.2.6). I want to know separately the truth, viz., whether Tyaga and Sannyasa are synonymous or not. The import is this. Do these two terms Sannyasa and Tyaga have different meanings or do they signify the same thing? If they signify different things, I want to know their different natures. If they are synonymous, their identical nature should be elucidated.

Then, in order to prove that the nature of both is identical and that it is such and such, the Lord explains, showing the disagreements among some disputants: