Shloka 36
Kapila’s Conclusion: Limits of Karma and Yoga; Supremacy of Bhakti and Qualification to Receive the Teaching
क्रियया क्रतुभिर्दानैस्तप:स्वाध्यायमर्शनै: । आत्मेन्द्रियजयेनापि संन्यासेन च कर्मणाम् ॥ ३४ ॥ योगेन विविधाङ्गेन भक्तियोगेन चैव हि । धर्मेणोभयचिह्नेन य: प्रवृत्तिनिवृत्तिमान् ॥ ३५ ॥ आत्मतत्त्वावबोधेन वैराग्येण दृढेन च । ईयते भगवानेभि: सगुणो निर्गुण: स्वदृक् ॥ ३६ ॥
kriyayā kratubhir dānais tapaḥ-svādhyāya-marśanaiḥ ātmendriya-jayenāpi sannyāsena ca karmaṇām
When the truth of the self is understood and firm renunciation is established, the sādhaka experiences the self-effulgent Bhagavān—both as saguṇa and as the transcendent nirguṇa.
As it is stated in the previous verse, one has to follow the principles of the scriptures. There are different prescribed duties for persons in the different social and spiritual orders. Here it is stated that performance of fruitive activities and sacrifices and distribution of charity are activities meant for persons who are in the householder order of society. There are four orders of the social system: brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa. For the gṛhasthas, or householders, performance of sacrifices, distribution of charity, and action according to prescribed duties are especially recommended. Similarly, austerity, study of Vedic literature, and philosophical research are meant for the vānaprasthas, or retired persons. Study of the Vedic literature from the bona fide spiritual master is meant for the brahmacārī, or student. Ātmendriya-jaya, control of the mind and taming of the senses, is meant for persons in the renounced order of life. All these different activities are prescribed for different persons so that they may be elevated to the platform of self-realization and from there to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, devotional service.
FAQs
Kapila lists self-mastery—victory over the mind and senses—as a key spiritual discipline alongside charity, austerity, and study.
Kapila instructs his mother Devahuti on authentic means of purification and progress toward realization, culminating in devotion and knowledge.
Do duties responsibly but reduce egoistic expectation of results—offer outcomes to God, simplify desires, and cultivate inner discipline.