BG 3.3
Krishna replied: In this world, there are two paths one might take - a path of knowledge for those inclined toward contemplation, and a path of Yoga for those inclined toward action.
लोकेऽस्मिन्द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ
ज्ञानयोगेन सांख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम्
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śhrī bhagavān uvācha — Krishna said
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loke’smin — in this world
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loke — in the world
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asmin — this
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dvi-vidhā — two kinds of
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dvi — two
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vidhā — kinds, divisions
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niṣhṭhā — faith
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purā — previously
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proktā — explained
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mayānagha — by me (Krishna)
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mayā — by me (Krishna)
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anagha — sinless
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jñāna-yogena — through the path of knowledge
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jñāna — knowledge
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yogena — performance of
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sāṅkhyānāṁ — for those inclined toward contemplation
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karma-yogena — through the path of action
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karma — action
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yogena — performance of
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yoginām — of the yogis
Krishna replied: In this world, there are two paths one might take - a path of knowledge for those inclined toward contemplation, and a path of Yoga for those inclined toward action. One cannot be free from action by simply abstaining from any actions, nor can one achieve perfection by renunciation alone. No one can remain even a moment without performing some action, for everyone is helpless to the compulsions of their inner nature. A person who restrains the organs of action, but continues indulging in memories of sense objects, is delusional and a hypocrite. A person who can control the senses with their mind, and always acts without attachment, is bound to excel. Perform your obligatory actions, for action is superior to inaction. For a person following inaction, even the sustenance of the body is impossible. This world is held in the bondage of actions that were not performed for the sake of sacrifice. Therefore, Arjuna, free yourself from attachment and perform work for this purpose alone.
Similar verses
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Krishna said: One who acts out of duty, without depending on the fruit of their actions, is truly renounced and a knower of Yoga - not one who merely shuns all action.
- Verse 6.1
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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
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The ignorant proclaim the path of renunciation to be different from that of righteous action. The learned know that one who has become situated in even one of the two, achieves the result of both.
- Verse 5.4
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Krishna replied: Those who keep their mind fixed on me, who worship me with unwavering faith and concentration, are the highest practitioners of Yoga.
- Verse 12.2
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Wherever there is Krishna, the Lord of Yoga, and wherever there is Arjuna, the great wielder of the bow, there is fortune, victory, prosperity, and morality. This is my conviction.
- Verse 18.78