Bhagavad Gita

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Karma Yogam: Chapter 3: Verse 4

Bhagavad Gita - krishna

(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

Physical Renunciation Is Not the Solution for Spiritual Progress

न कर्मणामनारम्भान्नैष्कर्म्यं पुरुषोऽश्नुते |
न च संन्यसनादेव सिद्धिं समधिगच्छति || 3.4||

na karmaṇām anārambhān naiṣhkarmyaṁ puruṣho ’śhnute
na cha sannyasanād eva siddhiṁ samadhigachchhati|| 3.4||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 3- Ver. 4:

By simply refraining from working, one cannot acquire freedom from karmic reactions, nor can one achieve knowledge by mere physical renunciation.

Explanation

It is impossible to achieve Perfection by either ceasing current actions or refraining from beginning new ones. Vasanalessness, or thoughtlessness, desirelessness, and actionlessness is thus the state of perfection. However, actionlessness is impossible to achieve without letting go of desire, cognition, and vasana.

According to Shree Krishna, simply not working does not result in a state of liberation from karmic repercussions. The mind continues to think productively, and because mental work is also a type of karma, it bonds one to karmic consequences in the same way that physical labour does. A true karma yogi must learn to labour without being attached to the results of his or her deeds. This necessitates the intellectual cultivation of knowledge. As a result, philosophic understanding is also required for karma yoga success.

By giving up the world and becoming a monk, a Sankhya yogi cannot reach the level of knowledge. Even if one abandons the physical things of the senses, genuine wisdom will not arise as long as the mind is impure. Physical renunciation will not provide realized knowledge to an impure heart. It must be complemented by actions that cleanse the mind and brain. As a result, success in Sankhya yoga requires action as well.

Verse & what we can learn

Physical renunciation does not help in spiritual progress, staying active and doing work and mentally staying detached is the key to spiritual success.

To achieve detachment and to stay balanced practicing daily meditation is important.

Bhagavad gita on action gives elaborate knowledge and guidance Action is better than inaction bhagavad gita says.
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 talks to Arjuna more in-depth about action.

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

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