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Chapter 5 · Verse 4 · Karma Sanyasa Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 5.4

philosophical Karma & Action Jnana & Wisdom Attachment & Letting Go

Sanskrit

सांख्ययोगौ पृथग्बालाः प्रवदन्ति न पण्डिताः। एकमप्यास्थितः सम्यगुभयोर्विन्दते फलम्।।5.4।।

Transliteration

sānkhya-yogau pṛithag bālāḥ pravadanti na paṇḍitāḥ ekamapyāsthitaḥ samyag ubhayor vindate phalam

Word by Word

sānkhya renunciation of actions
yogau karm yog
pṛithak different
bālāḥ the ignorant
pravadanti say
na never
paṇḍitāḥ the learned
ekam in one
api even
āsthitaḥ being situated
samyak completely
ubhayoḥ of both
vindate achieve
phalam the result
Simplified Perspective

The ignorant see renunciation and action as opposites, but the wise know they are two expressions of the same inner freedom. When you perform your duties without clinging to results, you embody both paths simultaneously—the surrender of the renunciate merged with the engagement of the yogi.

This is not division but wholeness: act fully in the world while remaining untouched by its outcomes, and you will taste the fruit that eludes those caught between extremes. In modern life, this means you need not choose between ambition and peace—master the art of full engagement without ownership, and both will be yours.

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Bhagavad Gita 5.4 — BG 5.4

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

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