Bhagavad Gita 3.49

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 49: Explanation and Significance

Sanskrit Verse (3.49)

दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय।
बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणाः फलहेतवः॥

Transliteration

dūreṇa hyavaraṁ karma buddhiyogād dhanañjaya
buddhau śaraṇam anviccha kṛpaṇāḥ phala-hetavaḥ

Word-by-Word Meaning

• दूरेण (dūreṇa) – By far
• हि (hi) – Certainly
• अवरम् (avaram) – Inferior
• कर्म (karma) – Action (motivated by desire)
• बुद्धियोगात् (buddhiyogāt) – From the yoga of wisdom (Karma Yoga)
• धनञ्जय (dhanañjaya) – O Dhananjaya (Arjuna)
• बुद्धौ (buddhau) – In wisdom
• शरणम् (śaraṇam) – Refuge
• अन्विच्छ (anviccha) – Seek
• कृपणाः (kṛpaṇāḥ) – Miserly persons
• फलहेतवः (phala-hetavaḥ) – Those who seek the fruits of their actions

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Translation

"O Dhananjaya (Arjuna), action motivated by desire is far inferior to the path of wisdom (Buddhi Yoga). Seek refuge in wisdom. Miserly are those who seek the fruits of their work."

" हे धनंजय (अर्जुन), कामना से प्रेरित होकर किया गया कार्य ज्ञान के मार्ग (बुद्धि योग) से कहीं अधिक निकृष्ट है। ज्ञान की शरण में जाओ। जो लोग अपने कर्म का फल चाहते हैं, वे कंजूस हैं। "

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Explanation

In this verse, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna that actions performed with attachment to results are inferior to those done with wisdom and detachment. He introduces the concept of Buddhi Yoga—the discipline of acting with intelligence and devotion, free from selfish desires.

Key Takeaways:

1. Superiority of Wisdom (Buddhi Yoga) – Krishna urges Arjuna to cultivate wisdom rather than be attached to the fruits of his actions. Actions done with detachment and higher understanding lead to liberation.
2. Detachment from Results – Those who work only for rewards are called kṛpaṇāḥ (miserly), as they bind themselves to the cycle of karma and rebirth.
3. Inner Surrender – Krishna advises seeking refuge in divine wisdom rather than being anxious about outcomes.

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Relevance in Modern Life

This teaching is highly applicable today:

• In Professional Life – Focus on excellence rather than worrying about promotions or rewards.
• In Personal Growth – Develop a mindset of learning and self-improvement rather than immediate gains.
• In Stress Management – Let go of anxiety over results and cultivate peace through wisdom.

By following this teaching, one can live a life of purpose, efficiency, and inner peace, free from unnecessary worries about success or failure.