(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

Depending On The Condition Of The Disciple Guru Gives Either Advice or Instruction

संन्यास: कर्मयोगश्च नि:श्रेयसकरावुभौ |

तयोस्तु कर्मसंन्यासात्कर्मयोगो विशिष्यते || 5.2||

 Shrī bhagavān uvācha

sannyāsaḥ karma-yogaśh cha niḥśhreyasa-karāvubhau

tayos tu karma-sannyāsāt karma-yogo viśhiṣhyate|| 5.2||

 Shloka Translation

BG – Ch. 5- Ver. 2:

Both the path of karma sanyasa (renunciation of activities) and the path of karma yoga (working in devotion) lead to the supreme goal, according to the Supreme Lord. Karma yoga,  is superior to karma sanyasa.

Explanation

A karma yogi is someone who performs both spiritual and social responsibilities. The body performs social tasks while the mind is focused on God. Karma sanyasa is for elevated souls who have risen above the physical plane. A karma sanysi is a person who abandons societal responsibilities due to complete immersion in God and focuses solely on spiritual responsibilities.

Arjuna requires instruction rather than advice because he has not yet grasped the logic. As a result, Krishna asserts clearly that the path of action is superior to the path of knowledge. This, however, is specifically intended for Arjuna and is not a universal truth.

The majority of people are spiritually immature and have a lot of desires. There are only a few persons who meet the criteria for knowledge. Those few, like Arjuna, who seek knowledge as a means of avoiding unpleasant duties are in rajasika renunciation. They want to get away from action because of the pain it brings, not because they want to achieve something greater.

Verse & what we can learn

Karma-yoga is  a safe path for the majority of people, but karma sanyas should only be taken under the competent direction of a Guru because it  is for elevated souls who have risen above the physical plane.

To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.

There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There are also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.

In the Next verse, Shri Krishna tells Arjuna about karma yogis.

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…