Ep. 65: Gita Series: Renunciation Defined: Taking Up the Higher (15 of 20)

In this episode, James dives into the often misunderstood concept of renunciation within Vedanta, exploring the misinterpretations surrounding asceticism and self-denial. Contrary to the common image of a renunciate giving up everything and living in seclusion, James presents a profound perspective—renunciation is not about giving up but about taking up something higher. He underscores that renunciation is an effect, not a cause, and compares it to a natural progression, much like outgrowing childhood toys. Drawing from personal experiences and the teachings of the Gita, James emphasizes that one can pursue wealth or success while remaining unattached and governed by higher ideals. Join us on The Daily Vedantic as we unravel the true essence of renunciation, transcending popular misconceptions.

The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (⁠https://www.thedailyvedantic.co⁠). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound.

James Beshara (⁠https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara⁠) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles.

James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (⁠https://www.YFYI.co⁠), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect⁠ ).

James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (⁠Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities⁠)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: ⁠https://www.vedantaworld.org⁠