The Kaivalyopanishad declares:

"Na Karmanaa na projayaa dhanena
thyaagena ekena amruthathwamaanasuh"

Not by means of works, not by means of man-power or by means of wealth, by renunciation alone immortality can be attained. The works referred to are rituals like sacrifices, sacred fire rites, vows, charities, donations to holy projects, pilgrimages, ceremonial baths in rivers and the sea. Through such activities, one cannot achieve Moksha or Liberation - that is to say, getting rid of the veil of ignorance. Na prajayaa, (not by means of man-power) means: the acquisition of positions of authority and power, of skill and intelligence, which can manipulate men and things, of fame and supremacy, of personal charm, of full health and happiness, of a large family with many children cannot confer on man Moksha or Liberation.

"Na dhanena" (not by means of wealth) means: The works and activities mentioned above and the acquisition referred to can succeed only when man has wealth at his disposal. If one is not rich, he cannot venture into Karmas or acquire authority, power, etc. But the Upanishad announces that Jnana is not related to riches or dhana. And Jnana alone can lead to liberation. So, liberation cannot be earned by means of wealth. Wealth is not a means to attain Moksha.

Then, what exactly is the means? The answer is, Thyagena ekena amrthathwam aanasuh. Renunciation alone can confer Moksha or Immortality. The Jagath (the objective world) is unreal, non-existent; the misunderstanding that it is real has to be renounced. The understanding that the idea of jagath is a superimposition by our mind on the Reality is the Jnana. Though the jagath appears real, one must be aware that it is deluding us so. And as a result, one has to give up the yearning for deriving pleasure from the objects that appear and attract, both here and hereafter. That is to say, one is liberated as soon as one renounces all attachment and all desires. Sarvam Thyaagam. The Ajnana or false knowledge can be destroyed only when one knows the Atma Principle. When the false knowledge disappears, the sorrow produced by one's involvement in the ups and downs of Samsara or the World of Change, also gets destroyed.