BG 12.12
Knowledge of the self is superior to practice, and meditation is superior to knowledge. Renunciation of the fruit of actions is superior to meditation, and in such a path of renunciation, only peace can follow.
ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्त्यागाच्छान्तिरनन्तरम्
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śhreyo — better
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hi — for
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jñānam — knowledge
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abhyāsāj — than practice
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jñānād — than knowledge
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dhyānaṁ — meditation
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viśhiṣhyate — better
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dhyānāt — than meditation
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karma-phala-tyāgas — renunciation of the fruits of actions
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karma
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phala
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tyāgas
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tyāgāch — renunciation
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chhāntir — peace
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anantaram — immediately
Focus your mind on me alone, letting the intellect rest within me, and you will certainly dwell in me alone. If you are unable to fix your mind firmly on me, then seek to reach me through constant practice. If you are incapable of steady practice, then devote yourself to my service and perform all action for my sake - this is also a path to success. If you are not capable of this either, then seek refuge in my Yoga by renouncing the fruit of your actions with self-control. Knowledge of the self is superior to practice, and meditation is superior to knowledge. Renunciation of the fruit of actions is superior to meditation, and in such a path of renunciation, only peace can follow.
Similar verses
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Practice is the only means of reaching the heights of spiritual meditation. When the sage has climbed these heights of Yoga, they maintain themselves there through tranquility and inaction.
- Verse 6.3
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One whose mind is entirely detached, who has conquered the self and is free from desire, attains through renunciation the supreme perfection and freedom from action.
- Verse 18.49
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Some recognize the self through meditation; others, through knowledge and reasoning; and others, through righteous action.
- Verse 13.25
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One who mentally renounces all action enjoys happiness and self-control of the body, neither doing anything nor causing anything to be done.
- Verse 5.13
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Krishna said: Renunciation of actions and righteous action both lead to salvation. However, of the two, right actions are superior to renounced actions.
- Verse 5.2