Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Marks of Karma-yoga and the Five Great Daily Sacrifices

Devanagari script

कर्मयोगोद्भवं ज्ञानं तस्मात्तत्परमं पदम् कर्मज्ञानोद्भवं ब्रह्म न च ज्ञानमकर्मणः //

Transliteration

karmayogodbhavaṃ jñānaṃ tasmāttatparamaṃ padam karmajñānodbhavaṃ brahma na ca jñānamakarmaṇaḥ //

Translation

Knowledge arises from Karma-yoga; therefore that (Karma-yoga) is the highest state. Brahman is realized through the conjoint arising of action and knowledge; and knowledge does not arise from mere inaction.

Word by Word

• कर्मयोगोद्भवम् (karmayogodbhavam): arising from Karma-yoga

• ज्ञानम् (jñānam): knowledge, liberating insight

• तस्मात् (tasmāt): therefore

• तत्-परमम् (tat-paramam): that as the highest

• पदम् (padam): state, goal, station

• कर्म-ज्ञान-उद्भवम् (karma-jñāna-udbhavam): arising from action and knowledge together

• ब्रह्म (brahma): Brahman, the Absolute

• न (na): not

• च (ca): and

• ज्ञानम् (jñānam): knowledge

• अकर्मणः (akarmaṇaḥ): from non-action/inaction

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahman

Tags

• Dharma
• Karma-Yoga
• Jnana
• Moksha
• Ethics

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse is not about Pralaya directly; it teaches the soteriological principle that liberation-oriented knowledge is born from disciplined action (Karma-yoga), not from passive withdrawal.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

It supports the Matsya Purana’s ethic that rulers and householders should perform prescribed duties selflessly; such Karma-yoga matures into wisdom and becomes a legitimate path to Brahman without abandoning responsibility.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-rule detail is stated; the ritual takeaway is general—mere abstention is not praised, but disciplined performance of duty (including rites when prescribed) is presented as the ground from which true knowledge arises.