BG 5.4
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.
एकमप्यास्थितः सम्यगुभयोर्विन्दते फलम्
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sānkhya-yogau — renunciation and righteous action
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sānkhya — renunciation of action
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yogau — righteous action
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pṛithag — different
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bālāḥ — the ignorant
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pravadanti — say
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na — never
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paṇḍitāḥ — the learned
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ekamapyāsthitaḥ — being situated in even one
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ekam — in one
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api — even
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āsthitaḥ — being situated
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samyag — completely
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ubhayor — of both
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vindate — achieve
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phalam — the result
Krishna said: Renunciation of actions and righteous action both lead to salvation. However, of the two, right actions are superior to renounced actions. One who is free from hatred and from all dualities is a person of renunciation, and is certainly freed from bondage. 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. That which is attained through spiritual wisdom is also attained by working with devotion. The wise see them both as the same. However, without right action, it is difficult to attain renunciation. The sage who is a master of righteous action quickly attains divine consciousness. One who unites with righteous action, acting with a pure intellect and control of the mind and senses seeing the same soul in all living beings, is capable of acting while remaining detached. Though the saint sees, hears, touches, smells, eats, moves, sleeps, and breathes, they know the truth and know that they are not the one who acts. Though they talk, give, receive, open their eyes, and shut them, they know the senses are merely operating on the objects of perception.
Similar verses
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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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Arjuna said: You advocate for renunciation of action, yet you also praise Karma yoga. Please tell me conclusively, which of the two is more beneficial for me?
- Verse 5.1
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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.
- Verse 3.3
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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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However, without right action, it is difficult to attain renunciation. The sage who is a master of righteous action quickly attains divine consciousness.
- Verse 5.6