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Chapter 5 · Action in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness · 29 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 5 · Action in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness

5.1 5.3

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 5.2

Detached action performed in devotion

Karma · Action

श्रीभगवानुवाच

सन्न्यास: कर्मयोगश्च नि:श्रेयसकरावुभौ ।

तयोस्तु कर्मसन्न्यासात्कर्मयोगो विशिष्यते ॥ २ ॥

śrī-bhagavān uvāca

sannyāsaḥ karma-yogaś ca

niḥśreyasa-karāv ubhau

tayos tu karma-sannyāsāt

karma-yogo viśiṣyate

Translation

The Personality of Godhead replied: The renunciation of work and work in devotion are both good for liberation. But, of the two, work in devotional service is better than renunciation of work.

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

Work in Devotion Is Better

1
Both giving up work and working in devotion help one gain liberation, but devotional service is better.
2
Prabhupāda explains that knowing we are spirit souls is not enough; we must act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness to escape material bondage.
3
Use things in Kṛṣṇa’s service, knowing that everything belongs to Him.

Key points from the purport

Answers the question asked in Text 5.1

Both good for liberation

But work in devotion (karma-yoga) is better than renunciation of work (sannyasa)

Path of action: Krishna conscious action vs Fruitive action — Devotional Service / Action in Krishna Consciousness is the only way to get rid of material bondage (Ref. SB 5.5.4-6)

On the other hand fruitive action creates bondage

To act for sense gratification – not good because fruitive acts cause material bondage and transmigration; each body is temporary and miserable.

Failure of life – if no inquiry about real identity

Suggestion to “get out” of bondage – Develop love for Devotional service to Vasudeva

Path of renouncing all action — Process of Jnana (of spiritual identity) / dry renunciation

One may think that action causes bondage, therefore we should renounce action altogether

but one should know that Jnana (of spiritual identity) or dry renunciation is not sufficient for liberation from bondage,

but one must act on the level of status of spirit soul

Action in Krishna Consciousness is different from action on fruitive platform

Action in full knowledge strengthens one’s advancement in real knowledge

Mere renunciation of fruitive action without Krishna Consciousness does not purify the heart

Srila Rupa Goswami on ‘renunciation’ (Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu)

Incomplete Renunciation (Phalgu-vairagya) — to renounce things related to Supreme Personality of Godhead thinking them material, with desire for liberation

Complete renunciation (Yukta-vairagya) — implies to know

Everything belongs to the Lord

Use everything in His service

Do not claim proprietorship