Chapter 5 · Karma Sannyasa Yoga - The Yoga of Renunciation of ActionKrishna
Verse 2
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 5, श्लोक 2
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
सन्न्यासः कर्मयोगश्च निःश्रेयसकरावुभौ।
तयोस्तु कर्मसन्न्यासात्कर्मयोगो विशिष्यते॥
Transliteration
Sannyasah Karma-Yogash-Cha Nihshreyasa-Karav-Ubhau.
Tayos-Tu Karma-Sannyasat Karma-Yogo Vishishyate.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
सन्न्यासःsannyasahrenunciation
कर्मयोगःkarma-yogahselfless action
चchaand
निःश्रेयसकरौnihshreyasa-karauleading to liberation
उभौubhauboth
तयोःtayohof the two
तुtubut
कर्मसन्न्यासात्karma-sannyasatthan renunciation of action
कर्मयोगःkarma-yogahselfless action
विशिष्यतेvishishyateis superior
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
श्रीभगवान बोले — संन्यास और कर्मयोग दोनों ही कल्याणकारी हैं; परन्तु दोनों में कर्मसंन्यास से कर्मयोग श्रेष्ठ है।
English Translation
The Supreme Lord said: Both renunciation and selfless action lead to liberation. But of the two, selfless action (karma yoga) is superior to renunciation of action.
Commentary (टीका)
Krishna gives a clear and definitive answer — while both paths lead to the same goal, karma yoga is practically superior because it is easier for most people to practice. Renunciation without inner maturity is difficult and can lead to hypocrisy, whereas selfless action naturally purifies the mind and prepares one for higher realization.