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Chapter 5 · Verse 2 · Karma Sanyasa Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 5.2

transformative Karma & Action Bhakti & Devotion Attachment & Letting Go

Sanskrit

श्री भगवानुवाच संन्यासः कर्मयोगश्च निःश्रेयसकरावुभौ। तयोस्तु कर्मसंन्यासात्कर्मयोगो विशिष्यते।।5.2।।

Transliteration

śhrī bhagavān uvācha sannyāsaḥ karma-yogaśh cha niḥśhreyasa-karāvubhau tayos tu karma-sannyāsāt karma-yogo viśhiṣhyate

Word by Word

śhrī-bhagavān uvācha the Supreme Lord said
sanyāsaḥ renunciation
karma-yogaḥ working in devotion
cha and
niḥśhreyasa-karau lead to the supreme goal
ubhau both
tayoḥ of the two
tu but
karma-sanyāsāt renunciation of actions
karma-yogaḥ working in devotion
viśhiṣhyate is superior
Simplified Perspective

The Lord reveals a profound truth: both renunciation and selfless action lead to liberation, yet they are not equal paths. Renunciation without understanding becomes escapism; action performed with devotion and surrender becomes the very altar of freedom.

When you work not for the fruit but as an offering to the Divine, you dissolve the knot of ego that binds you—and this transformation happens through engagement, not withdrawal. In your modern life, this means that avoiding your responsibilities won't free you; only by showing up fully, doing your duty without clinging to outcomes, will you discover the spaciousness that the renunciates seek in caves.

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Bhagavad Gita 5.2 — BG 5.2

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Sanskrit text from the Bhagavad Gita (public domain). Commentary © Mahakatha.

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