
5
CHAPTER
VERSE
2
संन्यास: कर्मयोगश्च नि:श्रेयसकरावुभौ |
तयोस्तु कर्मसंन्यासात्कर्मयोगो विशिष्यते || 5.2 ||
Sannyāsaḥ karmayogaśca niḥśreyasakarāvubhau
Tayos tu karmasannyāsāt karmayogo viśiṣyate ||
Both renunciation of actions and the yoga of selfless action lead to the highest good, but between the two, the yoga of selfless action is superior.
Lesson:
There are two paths to spiritual realization: the path of renunciation (sannyasa) and the path of selfless action (karmayoga). Krishna asserts that both paths lead to the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation, but he emphasizes the superiority of karmayoga.
"Sannyasa" refers to the renunciation of all worldly attachments and desires. It involves withdrawing from worldly activities and dedicating oneself entirely to the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and realization. On the other hand, "karmayoga" refers to the practice of performing one's duties and responsibilities selflessly, without attachment to the results of actions.
Lord Krishna acknowledges that both paths have their merits. Sannyasa can lead to liberation by freeing the individual from the bondage of worldly desires and attachments. By renouncing the fruits of actions and detaching oneself from the material world, one can attain inner peace and spiritual enlightenment.
However, Krishna asserts that karmayoga is superior to sannyasa and involves engaging in actions without selfish motives, dedicating all actions to the divine and performing them as a service. Unlike sannyasa, which may lead to withdrawal from society and inaction, karmayoga encourages active participation in the world while maintaining a detached and selfless attitude.
The key difference between the two paths lies in their approach to action. Sannyasa advocates for the renunciation of action, while karmayoga advocates for the performance of action with the right attitude. Krishna emphasizes the importance of action in life and the necessity of fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities. By practicing karmayoga, individuals can transform their actions into a means of spiritual growth and self-realization.
Overall, Lord Krishna encourages Arjuna to adopt the path of karmayoga, highlighting its effectiveness in attaining spiritual enlightenment while actively engaging in the world. Karmayoga allows individuals to live a life of purpose and meaning, serving others and ultimately realizing the divinity within themselves.