Bhagavad Gita 5.4

 

Bhagavad Gita 5.4: The Unity of Paths

Sanskrit Verse:

साङ्ख्ययोगौ पृथग्बालाः प्रवदन्ति न पण्डिताः।
एकमप्यास्थितः सम्यगुभयोर्विन्दते फलम्

Bhagavad 

Transliteration:

Sāṅkhyayogau pṛthag bālāḥ pravadanti na paṇḍitāḥ
Ekamapyāsthitaḥ samyag ubhayor vindate phalam

Translation:

"The ignorant speak of Sāṅkhya (the path of knowledge) and Yoga (the path of action) as different, but the wise see them as one. A person who properly follows either of these paths attains the fruit of both."

"अज्ञानी लोग सांख्य (ज्ञान का मार्ग) और योग (कर्म का मार्ग) को भिन्न मानते हैं, किन्तु ज्ञानी लोग उन्हें एक ही मानते हैं। जो व्यक्ति इनमें से किसी भी मार्ग का समुचित रूप से पालन करता है, उसे दोनों का फल प्राप्त होता है।"

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Explanation:

This verse from Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights the unity of two major spiritual paths—Sāṅkhya (Jnana Yoga) and Karma Yoga.

• Sāṅkhya Yoga (Path of Knowledge): This is the path of wisdom and contemplation, where a seeker attains liberation through self-realization and detachment from worldly actions.

• Karma Yoga (Path of Action): This is the path of selfless action, where one performs their duties without attachment to results, dedicating everything to the divine.

Lord Krishna explains that although these paths seem different, their ultimate goal is the same—liberation (moksha). A wise person understands that devotion to either leads to spiritual enlightenment.

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Significance in Daily Life:

1. Harmony Between Action and Wisdom: We should neither renounce action completely nor become overly attached to knowledge alone. True wisdom lies in balancing both.

2. Selfless Service: Performing duties with dedication but without selfish desires brings peace and spiritual progress.

3. Overcoming Duality: Often, people argue over different religious practices, but Krishna teaches that different spiritual paths ultimately lead to the same divine truth.

Thus, the Bhagavad Gita encourages seekers to follow a balanced approach—engaging in both knowledge and action to attain liberation.

Would you like a deeper philosophical analysis or practical applications of this verse.