Action - 03 - 03

The Shloka

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श्रीभगवानुवाच ।

लोकेऽस्मिन् द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ ।

ज्ञानयोगेन साङ्ख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम् ॥

———

śrī bhagavān uvāca ।

loke’smin dvividhā niṣṭhā purā proktā mayānagha ।

jñānayogena sāṅkhyānāṁ karmayogena yoginām ॥

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Meaning / Summary

This verse is pivotal as it introduces the core theme of Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita, especially in this chapter. Arjuna was confused about whether knowledge or action was superior. Krishna here explains that there isn’t a single ‘best’ path for everyone; rather, different temperaments and inclinations lead to different appropriate paths. It establishes that both paths, when pursued correctly, are legitimate means to achieve spiritual liberation. It emphasizes that detachment is key in both approaches. For the Sankhyas, it’s detachment from the illusion of the material world through knowledge, and for the Yogis, it’s detachment from the fruits of action through selfless service.

The Supreme Lord said: O sinless one, in this world, a twofold path of steadfastness was declared by Me formerly: by the path of knowledge for the analytical philosophers (Sankhyas) and by the path of action for the yogis (men of action).

In this verse, Lord Krishna clarifies to Arjuna that there are two primary spiritual disciplines for human beings in this world that He had previously taught. One is the path of knowledge and contemplation, meant for those of an analytical and philosophical bent (Sankhyas). The other is the path of selfless action, intended for those who engage in work without attachment to results (Yogis). Both paths are valid and lead to spiritual progress.

Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna, stating that He has previously explained two distinct paths that lead to liberation or spiritual realization in this world. One path is called ‘Jñāna-yoga’ (the path of knowledge), which is suitable for those who are inclined towards intellectual understanding, philosophical inquiry, and the discrimination between the eternal and the ephemeral. These are often referred to as the Sānkhyas, who seek truth through analysis and wisdom. The other path is ‘Karma-yoga’ (the path of action), which is meant for those who are naturally inclined towards performing actions, but with detachment and a sense of duty, offering the results to the Divine. These are the Yogis, who achieve perfection through disciplined, selfless action. Krishna emphasizes that both paths, though different in their approach, lead to the same ultimate goal.

Sentence - 1

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श्रीभगवानुवाच ।

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Meaning

The Supreme Lord said.

Meaning of Words

श्रीभगवान्	śrī bhagavān
The Supreme Lord A respectful title for Lord Krishna, indicating that He is endowed with all six opulences (riches, strength, fame, beauty, knowledge, and renunciation) in full. ‘Śrī’ signifies opulence, beauty, and auspiciousness, while ‘Bhagavān’ refers to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the possessor of all divine attributes.
उवाच	uvāca
said A past tense verb meaning ‘spoke’ or ‘declared’. It signifies that the following statement is a direct utterance from the Supreme Lord.

Sentence - 2

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लोकेऽस्मिन् द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ ।

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Meaning

O sinless one, in this world, a twofold path of steadfastness was declared by Me formerly.

Meaning of Words

लोके	loke
in the world Refers to the world or sphere of existence, particularly the human realm where living entities strive for various goals.
अस्मिन्	asmin
in this Refers to ‘this’ particular world or current state of affairs.
द्विविधा	dvividhā
twofold Consisting of two distinct types or kinds. ‘Dvi’ means two, and ‘vidhā’ means ways or kinds.
निष्ठा	niṣṭhā
steadfastness, devotion, faith, path Implies firm faith, conviction, or steady adherence to a particular path or principle. It can also refer to a specific way of life or spiritual discipline.
पुरा	purā
formerly, previously Indicates that this declaration was made sometime in the past, implying that it is not a new teaching but an established truth.
प्रोक्ता	proktā
declared, stated Means ‘said’, ‘spoken’, or ‘proclaimed’. It conveys that the truth about these paths has been explicitly communicated.
मया	mayā
by Me Refers to Lord Krishna Himself, emphasizing that the source of this teaching is divine.
अनघ	anagha
O sinless one An epithet used by Krishna for Arjuna. ‘Anagha’ means one who is free from sin, impurity, or fault. This address suggests Arjuna’s pure heart and receptivity to spiritual knowledge, making him a worthy recipient of these profound teachings.

Sentence - 3

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ज्ञानयोगेन साङ्ख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम् ॥

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Meaning

(It was declared) by the path of knowledge for the analytical philosophers and by the path of action for the yogis.

Meaning of Words

ज्ञानयोगेन	jñānayogena
by the path of knowledge ‘Jñāna’ means knowledge, especially spiritual knowledge or wisdom, and ‘yoga’ means a path, discipline, or union. Jñāna-yoga is the spiritual path that emphasizes intellectual discrimination, philosophical inquiry, and realizing the true nature of the self through understanding.
साङ्ख्यानाम्	sāṅkhyānām
for the analytical philosophers, for the Sankhyas Refers to those who adhere to the Sānkhya philosophy, which emphasizes discrimination between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter) through analytical knowledge. They are often seekers of truth through intellectual understanding and contemplation.
कर्मयोगेन	karmayogena
by the path of action ‘Karma’ means action, work, or duty. Karma-yoga is the spiritual path that focuses on performing one’s prescribed duties without attachment to the results, offering them to the Divine, thereby purifying the mind and leading to spiritual liberation.
योगिनाम्	yoginām
for the yogis, for the men of action Refers to those who practice Yoga, particularly Karma Yoga here. They are individuals who are disciplined in their actions, performing their duties diligently and selflessly, with the aim of achieving union with the Divine.

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