Bhagavad Gita 3.50

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 50: Understanding Detachment and Wisdom

Sanskrit Verse:

बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते।
तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्॥ ३.५०

Transliteration:

buddhi-yukto jahātīha ubhe sukṛta-duṣkṛte
tasmād yogāya yujyasva yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam

Translation:

"A person endowed with wisdom renounces both good and bad deeds in this very life. Therefore, engage in the path of yoga, for yoga is skill in action."

" बुद्धि संपन्न व्यक्ति इसी जीवन में अच्छे और बुरे दोनों कर्मों का त्याग कर देता है। इसलिए योग के मार्ग पर चलो, क्योंकि योग कर्म में कुशलता है। "

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Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of acting with a steady mind, free from attachment to the results of one's actions. Let's break down its deeper meaning:

1. Wisdom and Renunciation of Good and Bad Deeds

• The phrase buddhi-yuktaḥ refers to a person who is guided by wisdom and intellect. Such a person understands that all actions, whether considered good (sukṛta) or bad (duṣkṛta), bind one to the cycle of karma.
• A wise individual (buddhi-yuktaḥ) does not seek rewards for good deeds or fear the consequences of bad ones. Instead, they act with detachment, dedicating their work to a higher purpose.

2. The Path of Yoga

• Krishna encourages Arjuna to embrace yoga—the path of disciplined action.
• The term yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam means "yoga is skill in action." This signifies performing one's duty with excellence, focus, and devotion, without being attached to success or failure.

3. Practical Application in Daily Life

• This verse teaches us to work efficiently without obsessing over outcomes.
• It encourages mindfulness and dedication while remaining detached from success or failure.
• By following this principle, one achieves inner peace, as actions become a means of self-purification rather than a cause for anxiety.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 3.50 presents a powerful message: wisdom leads to freedom from the bondage of karma. By engaging in selfless and skillful action (karma yoga), one attains true efficiency and peace. This teaching is especially relevant in today's fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety over results dominate our lives. By adopting the principle of karma yoga, we can work with greater clarity, focus, and inner calm.

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