Bhagavad Gita · Verse 5.1
Chapter 5: Karma Sannyasa Yoga (कर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(Arjuna said)
संन्यासं कर्मणां कृष्ण पुनर्योगं च शंससि । यच्छ्रेय एतयोरेकं तन्मे ब्रूहि सुनिश्चितम् ॥१॥
saṃnyāsaṃ karmaṇāṃ kṛṣṇa punaryogaṃ ca śaṃsasi | yacchreya etayorekaṃ tanme brūhi suniścitam ||1||
Complete Shloka Translation
Arjuna said: Krishna, you praise renunciation of actions and also yoga. Tell me decisively which of these two is better.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| संन्यासम् | saṃnyāsam | renunciation / total abandonment |
| कर्मणाम् | karmaṇām | of prescribed actions |
| कृष्ण | kṛṣṇa | O Krishna |
| पुनः | punaḥ | again / on the other hand |
| योगम् | yogam | selfless action (Karma Yoga) |
| च | ca | and |
| शंससि | śaṁsasi | You praise / recommend |
| यत् | yat | whichever |
| श्रेयः | śreyaḥ | is definitively better / superior |
| एतयोः | etayoḥ | between these two paths |
| एकम् | ekam | one single path |
| तन् मे ब्रूहि | tan me brūhi | tell that clearly unto me |
| सुनिश्चितम् | suniścitam | with absolute certainty |
renunciation / total abandonment
of prescribed actions
O Krishna
again / on the other hand
selfless action (Karma Yoga)
and
You praise / recommend
whichever
is definitively better / superior
between these two paths
one single path
tell that clearly unto me
with absolute certainty
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Arjuna seeks a clear choice after hearing both renunciation and action praised. His question brings the relationship between the two paths into focus.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"When two teachings seem to conflict, ask what they mean in practice."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What question would clarify two teachings that seem opposed?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master calm detachment in daily work: act with full excellence and sincerity, but like water sliding off a lotus leaf, let neither praise nor blame stain your inner composure.