Bhagavad Gita 5.13

 

Bhagavad Gita 5.13 – The Path of Renunciation

Sanskrit Verse:

सर्वकर्माणि मनसा संन्यस्यास्ते सुखं वशी |
नवद्वारे पुरे देही नैव कुर्वन्न कारयन् || ५.१३ ||

Transliteration:

sarva-karmāṇi manasā sannyasyāste sukhaṁ vaśhī |
nava-dvāre pure dehī naiva kurvan na kārayan || 5.13 ||

Translation:

"The embodied soul, having renounced all actions mentally, remains blissfully situated in the city of nine gates (the body), neither acting nor causing action to be performed."

"देहधारी आत्मा मानसिक रूप से सभी कर्मों का त्याग करके, नौ द्वारों वाले नगर (शरीर) में आनन्दपूर्वक स्थित रहती है, न तो वह कोई कार्य करती है और न ही कोई कार्य कराती है।"

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Explanation:

This verse from Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled Karma Sannyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Renunciation), teaches the philosophy of detachment and self-control. Lord Krishna explains that a realized soul, who has mastered the mind, mentally renounces all actions while continuing to live in the body.

1. "Sarva-karmāṇi manasā sannyasyāste" – This means mentally renouncing all actions. The true renunciant is not one who physically abandons activities but one who performs duties without attachment.

2. "Sukham vaśhī" – Such a person experiences inner peace and happiness, as they are not disturbed by desires or external situations.

3. "Nava-dvāre pure dehī" – The body is metaphorically described as a city with nine gates (two eyes, two nostrils, two ears, one mouth, and two excretory openings). The soul resides within this body but does not truly perform actions.

4. "Naiva kurvan na kārayan" – A realized being understands that the self is beyond bodily actions. All actions are performed by the body and mind, but the self remains unattached.

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Philosophical Significance:

• This verse emphasizes Jnana Yoga (the path of wisdom), where the enlightened person sees the self as separate from bodily functions.

• It aligns with the concept of karma yoga, where one performs actions selflessly, without attachment to the results.

• It teaches the idea of inner renunciation, which is higher than external renunciation. Even while living in the world, one can remain untouched by worldly actions.

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Practical Application:

• Cultivate detachment while fulfilling daily responsibilities.

• Realize that the body acts, but the true self is beyond these actions.

• Develop self-discipline and inner peace through meditation and wisdom.

• Live in harmony, performing duties without being bound by desires or fears.

This verse beautifully encapsulates the Gita’s message of living a life of action without attachment, leading to ultimate liberation (moksha).