Interpretation

Krishna defines both terms with precision. Sannyasa is the renunciation of desire-driven actions (kāmya karma — actions done to fulfill personal desires). Tyaga is something subtler and more radical: the abandonment of the fruits of ALL actions — not just desire-driven ones but all actions, including obligatory duty. A sannyasi renounces certain types of action; a tyagi acts fully in the world but releases attachment to results. The Gita advocates tyaga — engaged action without fruit-attachment — as the higher and more complete path for most people.