Chapter 2, Verse 50
Sankhya Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
buddhi-yuktaḥ—endowed with wisdom; jahāti—get rid of; iha—in this life; ubhe—both; sukṛita-duṣhkṛite—good and bad deeds; tasmāt—therefore; yogāya—for Yog; yujyasva—strive for; yogaḥ—yog is; karmasu kauśhalam—the art of working skillfully
English translation
Endowed with wisdom and evenness of mind, one casts off in this life both good and evil deeds; therefore, devote yourself to Yoga; Yoga is skill in action.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 2.50
Commentary
Work performed with motive towards fruits only can bind a man. It will bring the fruits and the performer of the action will have to take birth again in this mortal world to enjoy them. If work is performed with evennes of mind (the Yoga of wisdom; i.e.; united to pure Buddhi; intelligence or reason) with the mind resting in the Lord; it will not bind him it will not bring any fruit it is no work at all. Actions which are of a binding nature lose that nature when performed with eanimity of mind; or poised reason. The Yogi of poised reason attributes all actions to the Divine Actor within (Isvara or God).
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
Simple Meaning
A person engaged in devotional service rids himself of both good and bad actions even in this life. Therefore, strive for Yoga, for Yoga is skill in action.
Context & Background
Krishna explains how Karma Yoga purifies the mind of karmic reactions.
Key Philosophical Teaching
"Yogah Karmasu Kausalam" — Yoga is skill in action. Perform actions with selfless efficiency and mental poise.
Practical Application
Bring excellence, mindfulness, and selfless dedication to whatever work you undertake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the famous definition of Yoga in BG 2.50?
BG 2.50 famously defines Yoga as "Yogah Karmasu Kausalam" — Yoga is efficiency and skill in action.
Related Verses
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