Shloka 3
Karma-Saṃnyāsa–Karma-Yoga Saṃvāda
Renunciation and the Discipline of Action
सम्बन्ध-- इस प्रकार अजुनके पूछनेपर भगवान् उनका निश्चित कर्तव्य भक्तिप्रधान कर्मयोग बतलानेके उद्देश्यसे पहले उनके प्रश्नका उत्तर देते हुए यह दिखलाते हैं कि मेरे वचन व्यामिश्र' अर्थात् 'मिले हुए" नहीं हैं वरं सर्वधा स्पष्ट और अलग-अलग हैं-- श्रीभगवानुवाच लोकेडस्मिन् द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ । ज्ञानयोगेन सांख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम्
śrībhagavān uvāca | loke 'smin dvividhā niṣṭhā purā proktā mayānagha | jñānayogena sāṅkhyānāṁ karmayogena yoginām ||
The Blessed Lord said: “O sinless one, in this world I formerly taught a twofold steadfast path. For those devoted to discernment (the Sāṅkhyas), it is the path of knowledge; for those committed to disciplined action (the Yogins), it is the path of action. Thus my teaching is not confused, but distinct disciplines suited to different temperaments.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Kṛṣṇa distinguishes two legitimate disciplines: jñāna-yoga for those inclined to contemplative discernment (Sāṅkhyas) and karma-yoga for those inclined to active duty (yogins). The teaching emphasizes clarity of method and suitability to one’s disposition, not a muddled mixture.
After Arjuna’s questioning about seemingly mixed guidance, Kṛṣṇa begins his reply by asserting that he has already taught a twofold framework of practice. He sets the stage for Chapter 3’s focus on karma-yoga by explaining that different seekers are guided by different primary disciplines.