Renunciation - 05 - 01

The Shloka

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अर्जुन उवाच।

संन्यासं कर्मणां कृष्ण पुनर्योगं च शंससि ।

यच्छ्रेय एतयोरेकं तन्मे ब्रूहि सुनिश्चितम् ॥

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Arjuna uvāca.

saṁnyāsaṁ karmaṇāṁ kṛṣṇa punar yogaṁ ca śaṁsasi.

yac chreya etayor ekaṁ tan me brūhi suniścitam.

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Meaning / Summary

This shloka is significant as it marks the beginning of Chapter 5, ‘Karma-sannyasa Yoga’, and directly addresses the dilemma faced by many spiritual aspirants: whether to completely renounce worldly actions or to perform them with a detached attitude. Arjuna’s question prompts Krishna to elaborate on the interconnectedness and ultimate equality of these two paths when pursued with the right understanding and intention, thereby clarifying a fundamental philosophical point in Hindu thought.

Arjuna said: O Krishna, You praise both the renunciation of actions (Sannyasa) and also the performance of actions (Karma Yoga). Tell me definitively which one of these two is superior.

Arjuna, confused by Krishna’s seemingly contradictory praise for both renunciation of action (Sannyasa) and performance of action (Karma Yoga), asks for a clear and definitive answer on which path is superior.

Arjuna begins this chapter by expressing his confusion to Lord Krishna. In the previous chapters, Krishna had expounded on both the path of knowledge leading to the renunciation of action (Sannyasa) and the path of selfless action (Karma Yoga). Specifically, in Chapter 3, Krishna advocated for performing one’s prescribed duties without attachment to results, which is Karma Yoga. However, in Chapter 4, He also spoke about renunciation (Sannyasa) in the context of action in knowledge. This apparent contradiction perplexes Arjuna. He is asking for clarity: which of these two paths – complete abandonment of all actions or performing actions with a detached, devotional mindset – is truly better and more conducive to spiritual progress. He seeks a singular, conclusive answer from his divine guide, Krishna, indicating his desire for a practical and unambiguous directive for his own spiritual journey and the immediate situation on the battlefield.

Sentence - 1

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अर्जुन उवाच।

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Meaning

Arjuna said.

Meaning of Words

अर्जुन	Arjuna
Arjuna is one of the five Pandava brothers, the central protagonist of the Bhagavad Gita, and a skilled warrior. The name ‘Arjuna’ means ‘bright,’ ‘shining,’ or ‘white,’ signifying his pure heart and unblemished character. He is renowned for his exceptional archery skills and is a devoted friend and disciple of Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and spiritual guide on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
उवाच	uvāca	said

Sentence - 2

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संन्यासं कर्मणां कृष्ण पुनर्योगं च शंससि ।

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Meaning

O Krishna, You praise both the renunciation of actions and also the performance of actions (Karma Yoga).

Meaning of Words

संन्यासं	saṁnyāsaṁ
renunciation, abandonment Sannyasa refers to the complete renunciation of all material activities, desires, and attachments, typically associated with a monastic or ascetic way of life where one withdraws from worldly engagement to focus solely on spiritual liberation.
कर्मणां	karmaṇāṁ
of actions Karma refers to actions, deeds, or work. In a spiritual context, it often refers to prescribed duties or activities performed in the material world.
कृष्ण	kṛṣṇa
O Krishna Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the speaker of the Bhagavad Gita, and Arjuna’s divine charioteer and friend. The name ‘Krishna’ literally means ‘the all-attractive one’ or ‘dark-complexioned.’ He is worshipped as the supreme manifestation of God in Hinduism and is revered for His wisdom, strength, beauty, and compassion.
पुनर्	punar	again, moreover, and also
योगं	yogaṁ
Yoga, path of action Yoga here refers to Karma Yoga, the path of performing actions without attachment to their fruits, dedicating them to the divine. It emphasizes selfless service and duty as a means to spiritual liberation, contrasting with complete renunciation of action (Sannyasa).
च	ca	and
शंससि	śaṁsasi	You praise

Sentence - 3

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यच्छ्रेय एतयोरेकं तन्मे ब्रूहि सुनिश्चितम् ॥

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Meaning

Tell me definitively which one of these two is superior.

Meaning of Words

यच्छ्रेय	yac chreya	which is superior / better
एतयोरेकं	etayor ekaṁ	one of these two
तन्मे	tan me	that to me
ब्रूहि	brūhi	tell
सुनिश्चितम्	suniścitam	definitively, conclusively

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