Bhagavad Gita · Verse 5.2
Chapter 5: Karma Sannyasa Yoga (कर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
संन्यासः कर्मयोगश्च निःश्रेयसकरावुभौ । तयोस्तु कर्मसंन्यासात्कर्मयोगो विशिष्यते ॥२॥
saṃnyāsaḥ karmayogaśca niḥśreyasakarāvubhau | tayostu karmasaṃnyāsātkarmayogo viśiṣyate ||2||
Complete Shloka Translation
Renunciation and karma yoga both lead to the highest good. Of the two, however, karma yoga is superior to renunciation of action.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| संन्यासः | saṃnyāsaḥ | renunciation of action |
| कर्म-योगः च | karma-yogaḥ ca | and the yoga of selfless action |
| निःश्रेयस-करौ | niḥśreyasa-karau | both lead to supreme liberation |
| उभौ | ubhau | both of them |
| तयोः तु | tayoḥ tu | but between the two |
| कर्म-संन्यासात् | karma-saṃnyāsāt | than renunciation of action |
| कर्म-योगः | karma-yogaḥ | selfless action |
| विशिष्यते | viśiṣyate | is distinctly superior and practical |
renunciation of action
and the yoga of selfless action
both lead to supreme liberation
both of them
but between the two
than renunciation of action
selfless action
is distinctly superior and practical
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna affirms the liberating aim of both paths while recommending karma yoga. The next verses explain why inner renunciation need not require abandoning work.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Responsible action can itself become a path of inner freedom."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How could your responsibilities support inner growth?
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.