Chapter 5, Verse 2
Karma Sanyasa Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha—the Supreme Lord said; sanyāsaḥ—renunciation; karma-yogaḥ—working in devotion; cha—and; niḥśhreyasa-karau—lead to the supreme goal; ubhau—both; tayoḥ—of the two; tu—but; karma-sanyāsāt—renunciation of actions; karma-yogaḥ—working in devotion; viśhiṣhyate—is superior
English translation
The Blessed Lord said, "Renunciation and the Yoga of action both lead to the highest bliss; but of the two, the Yoga of action is superior to the renunciation of action."
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 5.2
Commentary
Sannyasa (renunciation of action) and Karma Yoga (performance of action) both lead to Moksha or liberation or the highest bliss. Though both lead to Moksha; yet of the two means of attaining to Moksha; Karma Yoga is better than mere Karma Sannyasa (renunciation of action) without the knowledge of the Self. But renunciation of actions with the knowledge of the Self is decidedly superior to Karma Yoga. Moreover; Karma Yoga is easy and is therefore suitable to all. (Cf. III.3V.5VI.46)
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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