॥ ॐ श्री परमात्मने नमः ॥
अथ पञ्चमोऽध्यायः । संन्यासयोगः
अर्जुन उवाच ।
संन्यासं कर्मणां कृष्ण पुनर्योगं च शंससि ।
यच्छ्रेय एतयोरेकं तन्मे ब्रूहि सुनिश्चितम् ॥ ५-१॥
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
संन्यासः कर्मयोगश्च निःश्रेयसकरावुभौ ।
तयोस्तु कर्मसंन्यासात्कर्मयोगो विशिष्यते ॥ ५-२॥
ज्ञेयः स नित्यसंन्यासी यो न द्वेष्टि न काङ्क्षति ।
निर्द्वन्द्वो हि महाबाहो सुखं बन्धात्प्रमुच्यते ॥ ५-३॥
साङ्ख्ययोगौ पृथग्बालाः प्रवदन्ति न पण्डिताः ।
एकमप्यास्थितः सम्यगुभयोर्विन्दते फलम् ॥ ५-४॥
यत्साङ्ख्यैः प्राप्यते स्थानं तद्योगैरपि गम्यते ।
एकं साङ्ख्यं च योगं च यः पश्यति स पश्यति ॥ ५-५॥
संन्यासस्तु महाबाहो दुःखमाप्तुमयोगतः ।
योगयुक्तो मुनिर्ब्रह्म नचिरेणाधिगच्छति ॥ ५-६॥
योगयुक्तो विशुद्धात्मा विजितात्मा जितेन्द्रियः ।
सर्वभूतात्मभूतात्मा कुर्वन्नपि न लिप्यते ॥ ५-७॥
नैव किञ्चित्करोमीति युक्तो मन्येत तत्त्ववित् ।
पश्यञ्शृण्वन्स्पृशञ्जिघ्रन्नश्नन्गच्छन्स्वपञ्श्वसन् ॥ ५-८॥
प्रलपन्विसृजन्गृह्णन्नुन्मिषन्निमिषन्नपि ।
इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेषु वर्तन्त इति धारयन् ॥ ५-९॥
ब्रह्मण्याधाय कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा करोति यः ।
लिप्यते न स पापेन पद्मपत्रमिवाम्भसा ॥ ५-१०॥
कायेन मनसा बुद्ध्या केवलैरिन्द्रियैरपि ।
योगिनः कर्म कुर्वन्ति सङ्गं त्यक्त्वात्मशुद्धये ॥ ५-११॥
युक्तः कर्मफलं त्यक्त्वा शान्तिमाप्नोति नैष्ठिकीम् ।
अयुक्तः कामकारेण फले सक्तो निबध्यते ॥ ५-१२॥
सर्वकर्माणि मनसा संन्यस्यास्ते सुखं वशी ।
नवद्वारे पुरे देही नैव कुर्वन्न कारयन् ॥ ५-१३॥
न कर्तृत्वं न कर्माणि लोकस्य सृजति प्रभुः ।
न कर्मफलसंयोगं स्वभावस्तु प्रवर्तते ॥ ५-१४॥
नादत्ते कस्यचित्पापं न चैव सुकृतं विभुः ।
अज्ञानेनावृतं ज्ञानं तेन मुह्यन्ति जन्तवः ॥ ५-१५॥
ज्ञानेन तु तदज्ञानं येषां नाशितमात्मनः ।
तेषामादित्यवज्ज्ञानं प्रकाशयति तत्परम् ॥ ५-१६॥
तद्बुद्धयस्तदात्मानस्तन्निष्ठास्तत्परायणाः ।
गच्छन्त्यपुनरावृत्तिं ज्ञाननिर्धूतकल्मषाः ॥ ५-१७॥
विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि ।
शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः ॥ ५-१८॥
इहैव तैर्जितः सर्गो येषां साम्ये स्थितं मनः ।
निर्दोषं हि समं ब्रह्म तस्माद् ब्रह्मणि ते स्थिताः ॥ ५-१९॥
न प्रहृष्येत्प्रियं प्राप्य नोद्विजेत्प्राप्य चाप्रियम् ।
स्थिरबुद्धिरसम्मूढो ब्रह्मविद् ब्रह्मणि स्थितः ॥ ५-२०॥
बाह्यस्पर्शेष्वसक्तात्मा विन्दत्यात्मनि यत्सुखम् ।
स ब्रह्मयोगयुक्तात्मा सुखमक्षयमश्नुते ॥ ५-२१॥
ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा दुःखयोनय एव ते ।
आद्यन्तवन्तः कौन्तेय न तेषु रमते बुधः ॥ ५-२२॥
शक्नोतीहैव यः सोढुं प्राक्शरीरविमोक्षणात् ।
कामक्रोधोद्भवं वेगं स युक्तः स सुखी नरः ॥ ५-२३॥
योऽन्तःसुखोऽन्तरारामस्तथान्तर्ज्योतिरेव यः ।
स योगी ब्रह्मनिर्वाणं ब्रह्मभूतोऽधिगच्छति ॥ ५-२४॥
लभन्ते ब्रह्मनिर्वाणमृषयः क्षीणकल्मषाः ।
छिन्नद्वैधा यतात्मानः सर्वभूतहिते रताः ॥ ५-२५॥
कामक्रोधवियुक्तानां यतीनां यतचेतसाम् ।
अभितो ब्रह्मनिर्वाणं वर्तते विदितात्मनाम् ॥ ५-२६॥
स्पर्शान्कृत्वा बहिर्बाह्यांश्चक्षुश्चैवान्तरे भ्रुवोः ।
प्राणापानौ समौ कृत्वा नासाभ्यन्तरचारिणौ ॥ ५-२७॥
यतेन्द्रियमनोबुद्धिर्मुनिर्मोक्षपरायणः ।
विगतेच्छाभयक्रोधो यः सदा मुक्त एव सः ॥ ५-२८॥
भोक्तारं यज्ञतपसां सर्वलोकमहेश्वरम् ।
सुहृदं सर्वभूतानां ज्ञात्वा मां शान्तिमृच्छति ॥ ५-२९॥
ॐ तत्सदिति श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतासूपनिषत्सु
ब्रह्मविद्यायां योगशास्त्रे श्रीकृष्णार्जुनसंवादे
संन्यासयोगो नाम पञ्चमोऽध्यायः ॥ ५॥
Introduction to Chapter 5
What is Karma Sanyāsa Yoga
Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita is titled Karma Sanyāsa Yoga — the Yoga of Action and Renunciation. It teaches how to live in the world fulfilling duty, yet renouncing attachment to results.
Arjuna’s Dilemma: Renunciation vs Action
Arjuna asks Krishna: which leads to liberation — giving up action (sanyāsa) or performing action with devotion (karma yoga)? Krishna replies that both lead to the same goal, but working with devotion is superior.
Purification of Mind through Selfless Action
Krishna explains that for sanyāsa (renunciation) to be truly meaningful, one’s mind must first be purified by performing duties selflessly, offering all actions and their fruits to the Divine.
Equality & Sama-Darśi Vision
The realized person sees all beings alike — a Brahmin, a cow, even a dog-eater — because they perceive the same eternal essence in everyone. This equality of vision is a mark of spiritual maturity.
Living in the City of Nine Gates
Krishna uses the metaphor of the body as a city of nine gates through which sense desires enter. Wise people do not identify “I” with doer-ship or enjoyership, even while performing action.
What is Karma Sannyāsa Yoga?
Chapter 5 “Karma Sannyāsa Yoga” teaches the path of renouncing attachment to actions while still performing one’s duties.
Arjuna’s Question on Renunciation vs Action
Arjuna asks Krishna whether giving up all action or performing selfless work is more beneficial for spiritual growth.
Definition of Sannyāsa
True renunciation in this chapter means inner detachment not simply withdrawing from action.
Path of Karma Yoga
Krishna explains that working without desire for the fruits of action purifies the mind and supports spiritual progress.
Goal of Chapter 5
The chapter aims to show that both renunciation and action lead to liberation but action with detachment is superior for most people.
Renunciation (Sanyāsa) Explained
True Renunciation vs Outer Renunciation
Renunciation isn’t merely giving up physical activity, but abandoning the ego of doing, attachment, desire, and anger. True sanyāsa is internal.
Challenges of Renouncing Action
Renouncing actions fully is difficult unless the mind is purified. For most people, karma yoga (action with detachment) is more practical.
Renunciation with Devotion
Even in renunciation, devotion to God must remain — it is devotion, inner purity, not inactivity, that grants lasting peace.
Renunciation of the Fruits of Action
A key teaching: one’s duty is performed, but the fruits of that action are surrendered, not clung to. This renunciation of result is central.
Inner Detachment as Goal
The aspirant aims to detach mind, senses, intellect from desire, seeing all dualities as transient, to abide in inner peace.
Path of Karma Yoga
Actions Without Attachment
Karma yoga is performing one’s duty without attachment to outcomes the doer does action but does not identify as the doer.
Selfless Service & Offering
All actions, even ordinary tasks, when done as offering (yajña) to the Divine, become purifying, reducing ego and promoting surrender.
Living in Equanimity
Those who are steady in wisdom don’t rejoice over gain or lament loss their happiness does not depend on external conditions.
Seeing Self in All Beings
Karma yogis visualize the same soul present in all creatures, transcending prejudice and fear.
Mind & Sense Control
Controlling senses and mind is essential. Even while acting, one should remain centered and undisturbed by sensory temptations.
Comparison of Paths
Renunciation vs Yoga of Action
Krishna says both renunciation of action and devotional action lead to the supreme, but for most, devotion-in action is superior.
Goal of Both Paths
Both sanyāsa (renunciation) and karma yoga converge in the same spiritual realization: freedom from desire, anger and attachment.
Ease of Practice for Devotees
Karma yoga is more accessible than full renunciation, especially for householders and those still engaged in worldly duties.
Perils of False Renunciation
Abandoning action outwardly while harboring inner desires is hypocrisy false renunciation can trap one more firmly in bondage.
Saints’ Characteristics
Weaponless in Adversity
The saint is free of fear, anger or greed even when faced with difficult circumstances—victorious over internal conflicts.
Equality in Vision
Sage-like persons see all beings as equal; no bias toward caste, species, status.
Peace of Mind Under Sense Contact
Even amidst sensory stimulation—sight, sound, smell etc.—they remain detached, observing but not reacting.
Inner Bliss over Outer Pleasure
Their joy comes from an inner connection to the Divine, not from momentary sense pleasures.
Saint’s Characteristics
Freedom from Anger & Anxiety
One who is liberated is free from fear, anger, anxiety; the mind is steady and fearless.
Conclusion & Application
Summary of Key Teachings
Chapter 5 teaches that true renunciation is mental, action performed with detachment leads to peace, and hearts purified through devotion discover inner divine bliss.
Relevance to Daily Life
Even with daily responsibilities—family, work, service—these teachings encourage one to act without selfishness, to surrender results, and to stay calm in gain and loss.
Steps for Practice
Some practical steps: offer each action as service, meditate to reduce ego, practice equality in vision, control senses, and remember the Divine constantly.
Key Teachings
Renunciation is Mental
Not PhysicalRather than abandoning material duties real renunciation is giving up the ego of “I do” and attachment to results.
Doing Duty without Attachment
Performing work faithfully but not being bound by success or failure leads to peace of mind.
Purity of Intellect and Detachment
Those whose intellect is purified and senses controlled see no difference between work and renunciation.
Vision of Equality
The wise see the same divine essence in friend or foe in comfort or pain similar to seeing a Brahmin a cow an elephant a dog or a dog-eater.
Freedom from Bondage
By offering all actions to the Divine and renouncing fruits one remains untouched by sin like a lotus leaf in water.
Practical Applications
Living a Life of Detached Action
Apply these teachings by doing your everyday duties—family work society—with mindful detachment to outcomes.
Controlling Desires and Anger
Spiritual practice involves moderating senses and mind so that desire and anger no longer control action.
Seeing Self in All
Develop “sama-drishti” (equal vision) by recognizing that the same divine essence pervades all beings.
Offering Actions as Sacrifice
Treat your actions as offerings to the Divine rather than acts done for selfish gain.
Steadiness in Meditation
Through regular practice of self-reflection and meditation one can become steady and tranquil amid external change.
Obstacles & Misconceptions
Mistaking Renunciation for Inaction
Many think sannyāsa means doing nothing instead it means acting without ego or expectations.
Attachment to Results Causes Suffering
Desiring outcomes ties us to anxiety pride disappointment and obstructs inner freedom.
Neglecting Inner Purity
Renunciation of action without purity of mind and senses is incomplete and leads to hypocrisy.
Comparing Self with Others
When one compares spiritual progress or duties with others it breeds envy and discontent.
Overemphasis on Ritual alone
Rituals and external observances without devotion or detachment are hollow.
Deep Insights
Unity of Paths
Though Yoga of Renunciation and Yoga of Action appear different in truth both lead to the same supreme goal.
Seeing the Self Beyond Body
The Self is untouched by body mind senses – actions happen but the true Self remains unmoved and unbound.
Inner Peace through Self-Control
Control over senses mind and intellect brings tranquillity even during challenges.
Realization of the Eternal Divine
One who perceives all beings in the Divine achieves the supreme peace and realization.
Living without Fear
Desire or AngerA realized soul established in knowledge lives beyond fear anger and desire even while in the world.
Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita is titled Karma Sanyāsa Yoga — the Yoga of Action and Renunciation. It teaches how to live in the world fulfilling duty, yet renouncing attachment to results.
Arjuna asks Krishna: which leads to liberation — giving up action (sanyāsa) or performing action with devotion (karma yoga)? Krishna replies that both lead to the same goal, but working with devotion is superior.
Krishna explains that for sanyāsa (renunciation) to be truly meaningful, one’s mind must first be purified by performing duties selflessly, offering all actions and their fruits to the Divine.
The realized person sees all beings alike — a Brahmin, a cow, even a dog-eater — because they perceive the same eternal essence in everyone. This equality of vision is a mark of spiritual maturity.
Krishna uses the metaphor of the body as a city of nine gates through which sense desires enter. Wise people do not identify “I” with doer-ship or enjoyership, even while performing action.
Chapter 5 “Karma Sannyāsa Yoga” teaches the path of renouncing attachment to actions while still performing one’s duties.
Arjuna asks Krishna whether giving up all action or performing selfless work is more beneficial for spiritual growth.
True renunciation in this chapter means inner detachment not simply withdrawing from action.
Krishna explains that working without desire for the fruits of action purifies the mind and supports spiritual progress.
The chapter aims to show that both renunciation and action lead to liberation but action with detachment is superior for most people.
Renunciation isn’t merely giving up physical activity, but abandoning the ego of doing, attachment, desire, and anger. True sanyāsa is internal.
Renouncing actions fully is difficult unless the mind is purified. For most people, karma yoga (action with detachment) is more practical.
Even in renunciation, devotion to God must remain — it is devotion, inner purity, not inactivity, that grants lasting peace.
A key teaching: one’s duty is performed, but the fruits of that action are surrendered, not clung to. This renunciation of result is central.
The aspirant aims to detach mind, senses, intellect from desire, seeing all dualities as transient, to abide in inner peace.
Karma yoga is performing one’s duty without attachment to outcomes the doer does action but does not identify as the doer.
All actions, even ordinary tasks, when done as offering (yajña) to the Divine, become purifying, reducing ego and promoting surrender.
Those who are steady in wisdom don’t rejoice over gain or lament loss their happiness does not depend on external conditions.
Karma yogis visualize the same soul present in all creatures, transcending prejudice and fear.
Controlling senses and mind is essential. Even while acting, one should remain centered and undisturbed by sensory temptations.
Krishna says both renunciation of action and devotional action lead to the supreme, but for most, devotion-in action is superior.
Both sanyāsa (renunciation) and karma yoga converge in the same spiritual realization: freedom from desire, anger and attachment.
Karma yoga is more accessible than full renunciation, especially for householders and those still engaged in worldly duties.
Abandoning action outwardly while harboring inner desires is hypocrisy false renunciation can trap one more firmly in bondage.
The saint is free of fear, anger or greed even when faced with difficult circumstances—victorious over internal conflicts.
Sage-like persons see all beings as equal; no bias toward caste, species, status.
Even amidst sensory stimulation—sight, sound, smell etc.—they remain detached, observing but not reacting.
Their joy comes from an inner connection to the Divine, not from momentary sense pleasures.
One who is liberated is free from fear, anger, anxiety; the mind is steady and fearless.
Chapter 5 teaches that true renunciation is mental, action performed with detachment leads to peace, and hearts purified through devotion discover inner divine bliss.
Even with daily responsibilities—family, work, service—these teachings encourage one to act without selfishness, to surrender results, and to stay calm in gain and loss.
Some practical steps: offer each action as service, meditate to reduce ego, practice equality in vision, control senses, and remember the Divine constantly.
Not PhysicalRather than abandoning material duties real renunciation is giving up the ego of “I do” and attachment to results.
Performing work faithfully but not being bound by success or failure leads to peace of mind.
Those whose intellect is purified and senses controlled see no difference between work and renunciation.
The wise see the same divine essence in friend or foe in comfort or pain similar to seeing a Brahmin a cow an elephant a dog or a dog-eater.
By offering all actions to the Divine and renouncing fruits one remains untouched by sin like a lotus leaf in water.
Apply these teachings by doing your everyday duties—family work society—with mindful detachment to outcomes.
Spiritual practice involves moderating senses and mind so that desire and anger no longer control action.
Develop “sama-drishti” (equal vision) by recognizing that the same divine essence pervades all beings.
Treat your actions as offerings to the Divine rather than acts done for selfish gain.
Through regular practice of self-reflection and meditation one can become steady and tranquil amid external change.
Many think sannyāsa means doing nothing instead it means acting without ego or expectations.
Desiring outcomes ties us to anxiety pride disappointment and obstructs inner freedom.
Renunciation of action without purity of mind and senses is incomplete and leads to hypocrisy.
When one compares spiritual progress or duties with others it breeds envy and discontent.
Rituals and external observances without devotion or detachment are hollow.
Though Yoga of Renunciation and Yoga of Action appear different in truth both lead to the same supreme goal.
The Self is untouched by body mind senses – actions happen but the true Self remains unmoved and unbound.
Control over senses mind and intellect brings tranquillity even during challenges.
One who perceives all beings in the Divine achieves the supreme peace and realization.
Desire or AngerA realized soul established in knowledge lives beyond fear anger and desire even while in the world.
