Bhagavad Gita — Karma Sannyasa Yoga, Shloka 2
Karma Sannyasa Yoga
श्रीभगवानुवाच । संन्यासः कर्मयोगश्च निःश्रेयसकरावुभौ तयोस्तु कर्मसंन्यासात्कर्मयोगो विशिष्यते ॥ ५.२ ॥
śrībhagavān uvāca | saṁnyāsaḥ karmayogaś ca niḥśreyasakarāv ubhau | tayos tu karmasaṁnyāsāt karmayogo viśiṣyate || 5.2 ||
The Blessed Lord said: Both renunciation and karma-yoga lead to the highest good; yet, among them, karma-yoga excels over renunciation of action.
The Blessed Lord said: Both renunciation and karma-yoga lead to the highest good; but among them, karma-yoga is superior to renunciation of action.
The Lord said: Renunciation and the yoga of action are both makers of the highest good; yet, of the two, the yoga of action is distinguished above the renunciation of action.
Interpretations differ on why karma-yoga is said to be 'superior': many commentators explain it as more accessible and less prone to misuse when inner purification is incomplete, not as a denial of genuine renunciation.
FAQs
The verse suggests that disciplined engagement can stabilize the mind and reduce escapist tendencies. For many temperaments, structured responsibility supports clarity more effectively than abrupt withdrawal.
Both paths can culminate in liberation when grounded in knowledge and non-attachment. Karma-yoga is highlighted as a reliable preparatory and integrative means for dissolving egoic appropriation.
Krishna answers Arjuna’s request directly, presenting a comparative evaluation while preserving the legitimacy of both ideals.
For most people embedded in social roles, the text recommends transforming work through ethical intention and non-attachment rather than abandoning responsibilities prematurely.