Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5: Karma Sanyasa Yoga

(Path of Renunciation)

29 verses · Karma Yoga

The fifth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is "Karma Sanyasa Yoga". In this chapter, Krishna compares the paths of renunciation in actions (Karma Sanyas) and actions with detachment (Karma Yoga) and explains that both are means to reach the same goal and we can choose either. A wise person should perform his/her worldly duties without attachment to the fruits of his/her actions and dedicate them to God. This way they remain unaffected by sin and eventually attain liberation.

भगवद गीता का पांचवा अध्याय कर्मसन्यासयोग योग है। इस अध्याय में श्रीकृष्ण ने कर्मयोग और कर्मसन्यासयोग कि तुलना करते हुआ यह बतलाया है कि यह दोनों मार्ग एक ही लक्ष्य तक पहुँचने के माध्यम हैं। इसलिए हम इनमें से किसी भी मार्ग का चुनाव कर सकते हैं। एक बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति को अपने कर्मों को भगवान को समर्पित करते हुए अथवा उनके फल कि चिंता करे बिना अपने सांसारिक कर्तव्यों का पालन करते रहना चाहिए। इस तरह वे पाप से अप्रभावित रहते हैं और अंततः मुक्ति प्राप्त करते हैं।

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5: Karma Sanyasa Yoga – Path of Renunciation

Themes in this chapter

  • Sannyasa and karma yoga
  • Inner renunciation
  • The sage who sees the same in all

Important teachings

  • Outer renunciation and inner yoga are shown as leading to the same goal when rightly understood.
  • True renunciation is giving up selfish claim, not abandoning responsibility.
  • The chapter points toward even-mindedness toward pleasure, pain, honor, and blame.

All verses in Chapter 5

Chapter questions

What is Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 about?

The fifth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is "Karma Sanyasa Yoga". In this chapter, Krishna compares the paths of renunciation in actions (Karma Sanyas) and actions with detachment (Karma Yoga) and explains that both are means to reach the same goal and we can choose either. A wise person should perform his/her worldly duties without attachment to the fruits of his/her actions and dedicate them to God. This way they remain unaffected by sin and eventually attain liberation.

How many verses are in Chapter 5?

Chapter 5, Karma Sanyasa Yoga, contains 29 verses.