Bhagavad Gita 6.1

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 1 – The Path of True Renunciation

Sanskrit Verse:

श्रीभगवानुवाच |
अनाश्रितः कर्मफलं कार्यं कर्म करोति यः |
स संन्यासी च योगी च न निरग्निर्न चाक्रियः || 6.1 ||

Transliteration:

śrī-bhagavān uvāca

anāśritaḥ karma-phalaṁ kāryaṁ karma karoti yaḥ |
sa sannyāsī ca yogī ca na niragnir na cākriyaḥ || 6.1 ||

Meaning:

The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, said:
One who performs their prescribed duties without depending on the fruits of their actions is truly a renunciate (sannyāsī) and a yogi, not the one who merely abstains from fire sacrifices or renounces bodily activities.

" परमेश्वर श्री कृष्ण ने कहा: जो व्यक्ति अपने कर्मों के फल की आशा किए बिना अपने निर्धारित कर्तव्यों का पालन करता है, वही सच्चा संन्यासी तथा योगी है, न कि वह जो केवल अग्नि-यज्ञ से विरत रहता है या शारीरिक गतिविधियों का त्याग करता है। "

Explanation:

In this verse, Lord Krishna clarifies the true essence of renunciation (sannyāsa) and yoga. Many people misunderstand renunciation as mere withdrawal from worldly activities. However, Krishna emphasizes that true renunciation lies in detachment from the results of one's actions rather than abandoning actions themselves.

• True Renunciation (Sannyāsa): A person who performs their duties without attachment to rewards is the real renunciate, not someone who simply avoids rituals or worldly responsibilities.

• True Yogi: A yogi is not just one who meditates in solitude but one who remains engaged in righteous actions while maintaining inner detachment.

Practical Application:

1. Detachment from Results: In our daily lives, we often get attached to the outcomes of our work. Krishna advises us to focus on our efforts rather than worrying about success or failure.

2. Active Engagement: Renunciation does not mean escaping responsibilities. Instead, it means fulfilling them selflessly.

3. Balance of Action and Meditation: A true spiritual seeker is one who integrates devotion, wisdom, and selfless service.

Conclusion:

This verse teaches us that real renunciation is not about escaping life but about living it with selflessness and devotion. A true sannyāsī and yogi is one who works without ego, desires, or attachment, dedicating all actions to the divine.