Bhagavad Gita 5.2

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 2: The Path of Renunciation and Devotion

Sanskrit Verse:

श्रीभगवानुवाच
संन्यासः कर्मयोगश्च नि:श्रेयसकरावुभौ |
तयोस्तु कर्मसंन्यासात्कर्मयोगो विशिष्यते || २ ||

Transliteration:

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
sannyāsaḥ karma-yogaś ca niḥśreyasa-karāv ubhau
tayos tu karma-sannyāsāt karma-yogo viśiṣyate

Translation:

The Supreme Lord said: Both renunciation (sannyāsa) and the yoga of action (karma-yoga) lead to the ultimate good. But of the two, karma-yoga (selfless action) is superior to renunciation of action.

" भगवान ने कहा : संन्यास और कर्मयोग दोनों ही परम कल्याण की ओर ले जाते हैं। लेकिन इन दोनों में से कर्मयोग (निष्काम कर्म) कर्मसंन्यास से श्रेष्ठ है। "

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Interpretation and Meaning

This verse is part of the fifth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, titled "Karma Sannyasa Yoga" (The Yoga of Renunciation). Here, Lord Krishna explains the relationship between renunciation (sannyāsa) and the path of selfless action (karma-yoga).

1. The Two Paths: Sannyāsa and Karma-Yoga

• Sannyāsa (Renunciation): This refers to the path where one completely renounces worldly actions and dedicates oneself entirely to spiritual life, often associated with asceticism.

• Karma-Yoga (Selfless Action): This is the path where one continues to perform their duties but without attachment to the results, dedicating all actions to the Divine.

2. Why is Karma-Yoga Superior?

Krishna asserts that although both paths lead to liberation (moksha), karma-yoga is superior because:

• It allows a person to engage in the world while maintaining spiritual progress.

• It prevents stagnation and encourages selfless service.

• It helps purify the mind while fulfilling one’s responsibilities.

In contrast, mere renunciation without proper understanding may lead to idleness or escapism. True renunciation is not about leaving duties but about renouncing the attachment to their results.

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Practical Application in Modern Life

1. Work Without Attachment: Whether in a job, family, or personal goals, do your best without being overly concerned about success or failure.

2. Spiritual Growth in Daily Life: One doesn’t need to abandon work to attain peace. By dedicating actions to a higher purpose, inner harmony can be achieved.

3. Balance Between Action and Detachment: True renunciation is mental detachment, not physical withdrawal from responsibilities.

This verse encourages us to embrace action as a form of devotion rather than seeking escape from life’s duties.