Chapter 5
Karm Yog and Karm Sanyas Yog
Context: In this chapter, Shri Krishna compares Karm Yog (working without attachment) and Karm Sanyas Yog (renunciation of worldly activities), indicating which path is superior for attaining the Supreme Goal of Moksha. He further elucidates the mental state characteristic of a genuine yogi.
Verse 1
Arjun's question 6:
After hearing Shri Krishna's teachings, Arjuna feels confused and seeks clarity. He asks Shri Krishna to clearly specify which path is superior between the two presented:
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Karm Yog: Engaging in actions while staying detached from the outcomes.
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Karm Sanyas Yog: Renouncing worldly activities and immersing oneself in deep devotion to God.
Shri Krishna’s Answer 6: Shri Krishna explains that both Karm Yog (action) and Sanyas (renunciation) lead to the same goal. However, the path of Karm Yog (action) is superior to the path of Karm Sanyas Yog (renunciation).
Verse 2 to 7
Shri Krishna explains that both paths lead to the same goal, but Karm Yog is more suitable for Arjuna and the common person. He clarifies that the truly wise understand that both paths lead to the same goal. Karm Yogis possess pure intellect and internally renounce the outcomes of their actions while still actively engaging in external actions. These individuals remain unburdened by the chains of Karma.
Verse 8 to 12
Karm Yogis see themselves not as the initiators of actions. They attribute their activities to their senses (sight, touch, perception, etc.), which interact with the objects of their senses (things they observe, touch, perceive, etc.). They remain detached from their actions and offer them in devotion to God. This mindset prevents them from becoming entangled in the consequences of their actions, thus avoiding the bondage of Karma.
Verse 13 to 21
Shri Krishna explains the true agent behind actions. He states that the soul resides in the body with free will. An enlightened person understands that the soul neither initiates nor causes actions. While an ignorant soul might see itself as the doer, it is the inherent material nature (Sattva, Rajo, and Tamo Gunas) that acts. The proportions of these Gunas determine a person's fundamental disposition.
Shri Krishna continues, saying that a person whose ignorance is dispelled by divine wisdom and who is fully immersed in spiritual knowledge of God attains liberation from the cycle of life and death. Such individuals:
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See the presence of God everywhere and in everything.
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Release attachments to the physical body.
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Remain calm in all situations, unaffected by joy or sorrow, viewing everything as God's will.
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Experience divine bliss and happiness from God.
Verse 22 to 25
Shri Krishna explains who truly experiences peace and happiness. He says that material pleasures are temporary and limited; they end once a certain point is reached. Therefore, wise people do not chase these pleasures. He describes the traits of those who attain him and find happiness:
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They let go of desires and anger during their current life.
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They find happiness within by connecting their joy with the soul.
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They remove all doubts and are fully devoted to God.
Verse 26 to 29
Shri Krishna speaks about a Karm Sanyasi, someone who has controlled senses, given up worldly actions and is fully devoted to God. He stresses that with unwavering devotion and complete focus on God, one can achieve the goal.
In these verses Shri Krishna explain a way to mediate on God, he says: One should withdraw their senses from external distractions, control their breath and gaze in between the eyebrows, and focus inwardly. By maintaining a balanced mind, free from fear, anger, and desire, individuals can cultivate tranquility and ultimately attain spiritual freedom (moksha).
CONCLUSION:
In this chapter, Shri Krishna mainly explained the paths of Karm Yog and Karm Sanyas Yog. He emphasizes that Karm Yog is more suitable for people like Arjuna and us. This is because Karm Yog involves working while staying connected to God, whereas Karm Sanyas Yog requires complete attachment to God. If one's spiritual connection weakens in Karm Yog, they can still focus on their work. In Karm Sanyas Yog, there is no such fallback option.
In the next chapter, Shri Krishna continues to compare Karm Yog (working without attachment) and Karm Sanyas Yog (renunciation of worldly activities). He explains why Karm Yog is the superior path for most people.