Chapter 4 · Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga - The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of ActionKrishna
Verse 17
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 4, श्लोक 17
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मणः।
अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गतिः॥
Transliteration
Karmano Hy-Api Boddhavyam Boddhavyam Cha Vikarmanah.
Akarmanash-Cha Boddhavyam Gahana Karmano Gatih.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
कर्मणःkarmanahof action
हिhicertainly
अपिapialso
बोद्धव्यम्boddhavyamshould be understood
बोद्धव्यम्boddhavyamshould be understood
चchaand
विकर्मणःvikarmanahof forbidden action
अकर्मणःakarmanahof inaction
चchaand
गहनाgahanadeep/unfathomable
कर्मणःkarmanahof action
गतिःgatihcourse/way
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
कर्म का तत्त्व भी जानना चाहिए, विकर्म (निषिद्ध कर्म) का तत्त्व भी जानना चाहिए, और अकर्म का तत्त्व भी जानना चाहिए; क्योंकि कर्म की गति गहन (गूढ़) है।
English Translation
One must understand the nature of action, the nature of forbidden action, and the nature of inaction. The course of action is deep and unfathomable.
Commentary (टीका)
Krishna introduces three categories that must be understood: karma (prescribed action), vikarma (forbidden action), and akarma (inaction or non-reaction). The path of action is described as 'gahana' (deep, impenetrable), meaning it cannot be understood through superficial analysis. True understanding requires spiritual insight into the subtle interplay between action and consciousness.