Bhagavad Gita — Sankhya Yoga, Shloka 50
Sankhya Yoga
बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते । तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम् ॥ २.५० ॥
buddhi-yukto jahātīha ubhe sukṛta-duṣkṛte | tasmād yogāya yujyasva yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam || 2.50 ||
Endowed with buddhi (steady discernment), one casts off here both merit and demerit; therefore yoke yourself to yoga—yoga is skillfulness in action.
Endowed with buddhi, one casts off here both good and evil deeds; therefore engage in yoga—yoga is skill in actions.
One joined to understanding abandons here both well-done and ill-done (their binding residues). Therefore yoke yourself to yoga; yoga is proficiency in action.
“Sukṛta/duṣkṛta” can mean ‘merit/demerit’ or ‘well/ill performed.’ Many Vedāntic readings take it as karmic residue: even merit binds if appropriated. “Kauśalam” (skill) is often interpreted ethically and psychologically: acting with clarity, appropriateness, and non-attachment.
FAQs
“Skill in action” can be read as mindful, context-sensitive conduct: choosing proportionate responses and learning from outcomes without self-condemnation or self-congratulation.
The verse suggests that when action is guided by right understanding, karmic residues (including ‘merit’ when clung to) lose their binding force, supporting liberation-oriented practice.
It reframes yoga as practical excellence rather than withdrawal: Arjuna is urged toward disciplined action governed by insight.
Cultivate competence plus integrity: do the work well, but avoid letting moral scorekeeping or reputation management become the primary motive.