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Chapter 2 · Contents of the Gītā Summarized · 72 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.

Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›

Duty & actionChapter 2 · Contents of the Gītā Summarized

2.38 2.40

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 2.39

Working with resolute intelligence

Karma · Action

एषा तेऽभिहिता सांख्ये बुद्धिर्योगे त्विमां श‍ृणु ।

बुद्ध्या युक्तो यया पार्थ कर्मबन्धं प्रहास्यसि ॥ ३९ ॥

eṣā te ’bhihitā sāṅkhye

buddhir yoge tv imāṁ śṛṇu

buddhyā yukto yayā pārtha

karma-bandhaṁ prahāsyasi

Translation

Thus far I have described this knowledge to you through analytical study. Now listen as I explain it in terms of working without fruitive results. O son of Pṛthā, when you act in such knowledge you can free yourself from the bondage of works.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Working to Please Kṛṣṇa

1
Kṛṣṇa now turns from analytical knowledge to working without seeking rewards. Acting in this knowledge frees one from the bondage of work.
2
Prabhupāda explains that studying the body and soul leads to devotional service. The soul remains an eternal individual even after liberation.
3
Buddhi-yoga means working to please Kṛṣṇa, not for personal enjoyment. Through such service, Kṛṣṇa grants understanding and liberation.

Key points from the purport

Buddhi-yoga as the motivating principle — Sankhya-yoga (analytical study of body and soul) is explained to bring one to the platform of Buddhi-yoga (working without fruitive results)

Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga – One can work but still remain free from bondage of works (No need to avoid work, if you desire to avoid reaction)