Bhagavad Gita · Verse 2.49
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (सांख्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय । बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणाः फलहेतवः ॥४९॥
dūreṇa hyavaraṃ karma buddhiyogāddhanañjaya | buddhau śaraṇamanviccha kṛpaṇāḥ phalahetavaḥ ||49||
Complete Shloka Translation
Action driven by reward is far inferior to the yoga of understanding, Dhananjaya. Seek refuge in discernment; pitiable are those whose motive is the fruit.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| बुद्धियोगात् | buddhiyogāt | than the yoga of understanding |
| फलहेतवः | phalahetavaḥ | those motivated by fruits |
| दूरेण | dūreṇa | [term] in context of Action driven by reward is far... |
| ह्यवरं | hyavaraṃ | [term] in context of Action driven by reward is far... |
| कर्म | karma | [term] in context of Action driven by reward is far... |
| बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय | buddhiyogāddhanañjaya | [term] in context of Action driven by reward is far... |
| बुद्धौ | buddhau | [term] in context of Action driven by reward is far... |
| शरणमन्विच्छ | śaraṇamanviccha | [term] in context of Action driven by reward is far... |
| कृपणाः | kṛpaṇāḥ | [term] in context of Action driven by reward is far... |
| ४९ | phalahetavaḥ | [term] in context of Action driven by reward is far... |
than the yoga of understanding
those motivated by fruits
[term] in context of Action driven by reward is far...
[term] in context of Action driven by reward is far...
[term] in context of Action driven by reward is far...
[term] in context of Action driven by reward is far...
[term] in context of Action driven by reward is far...
[term] in context of Action driven by reward is far...
[term] in context of Action driven by reward is far...
[term] in context of Action driven by reward is far...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The surrounding verses identify the criticized action as attachment-driven. Buddhi-yoga brings understanding to action, rather than dismissing all practical work.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"A narrow focus on reward diminishes the purpose of action."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What wider purpose could guide work that now depends mainly on reward?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse when facing identity crisis or fear of failure: distinguish the unchanging inner self from transient life situations, and act with full dedication without anxiety over the final outcome.