Bhagavad Gita 5.1

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 1: Understanding Renunciation and Karma Yoga

Sanskrit Verse 5.1

अर्जुन उवाच
संन्यासं कर्मणां कृष्ण पुनर्योगं च शंससि |
यच्छ्रेय एतयोरेकं तन्मे ब्रूहि सु निश्चितम् || ५.१ ||

Transliteration

arjuna uvāca

sannyāsaṁ karmaṇāṁ kṛṣṇa punar yogaṁ ca śaṁsasi |
yacchreya etayor ekaṁ tan me brūhi su-niścitam || 5.1 ||

Translation

Arjuna said:

"O Krishna, You praise renunciation of actions (sannyāsa) on one hand, and on the other, You recommend the path of selfless action (karma-yoga). Please tell me decisively which of the two is superior and most beneficial for me."

अर्जुन ने कहा: "हे कृष्ण! एक ओर आप कर्मों के त्याग (संन्यास) की प्रशंसा करते हैं, और दूसरी ओर आप निष्काम कर्म (कर्म-योग) का मार्ग सुझाते हैं। कृपया मुझे निश्चयपूर्वक बताइए कि इन दोनों में से कौन सा मार्ग मेरे लिए श्रेष्ठ और सर्वाधिक लाभदायक है।"

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Explanation of Bhagavad Gita 5.1

This verse marks the beginning of the fifth chapter, known as Sannyāsa Yoga or The Yoga of Renunciation. Arjuna, confused by the different paths Krishna has described, seeks clarity on which path is superior—renunciation (sannyāsa) or action with detachment (karma yoga).

1. The Context of Arjuna’s Question

In the previous chapters, Krishna spoke about both renunciation (sannyāsa) and selfless action (karma yoga). This created doubt in Arjuna’s mind. He wonders:

• Should one completely renounce all worldly actions and live as a monk?

• Or should one continue performing duties with a detached mindset?

Arjuna asks for a conclusive answer to understand which path will lead him to ultimate liberation (moksha).

2. Renunciation vs. Karma Yoga

Krishna had previously explained two approaches:

1. Sannyāsa (Renunciation) – A path where one gives up worldly actions and devotes themselves entirely to meditation and self-realization.

2. Karma Yoga (Path of Action) – Performing one’s duties without attachment to the results, offering all actions as a service to God.

Both lead to spiritual enlightenment, but which is more practical? Arjuna seeks a clear answer.

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Spiritual Lessons from This Verse

1. Seeking Clarity is Important
   Arjuna’s question teaches that it is natural to have doubts in spiritual life. Seeking guidance from the right source, like Krishna, is essential for making wise decisions.

2. Understanding the Right Path for Oneself
   Not all paths suit everyone. Some may find peace in renunciation, while others may attain self-realization by remaining in the world and performing duties selflessly.

3. Action vs. Inaction
   Krishna does not advocate abandoning duties. Instead, He emphasizes the importance of a detached and duty-bound life. True renunciation is not about leaving responsibilities but performing them without selfish desires.

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What Happens Next?

In the upcoming verses, Krishna explains that karma yoga is the superior path because it is more practical for most people. He emphasizes that true renunciation lies not in abandoning work but in renouncing attachment to the results of work.

Thus, this verse serves as a bridge between confusion and the ultimate wisdom of selfless action, which Krishna will further elaborate on in this chapter.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 5.1 reminds us that spiritual wisdom often requires clarification. Arjuna's inquiry reflects our inner struggles between action and renunciation. By asking such questions, we can seek the right path that aligns with our nature and responsibilities while progressing spiritually.