Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 5 Karma Sannyasa Yogah

Karma Sannyasa Yogah - But for those whose ignorance is destroyed by self-knowledge, that knowledge reveals the Supreme, as the sun illumines everything.

ज्ञानेन तु तदज्ञानं येषां नाशितमात्मन: |
तेषामादित्यवज्ज्ञानं प्रकाशयति तत्परम् ||16||

But for those whose ignorance is destroyed by self-knowledge, that knowledge reveals the Supreme, as the sun illumines everything.

Aditya-Vat: Like the sun, illuminating truth.
Jnanam: Knowledge or wisdom.

Krishna contrasts the sunlight of knowledge with the shadow of ignorance, which veils the true self. This allegory emphasizes the transformative power of wisdom, showing Arjuna that true knowledge dispels all confusion about self and duty.

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तद्बुद्धयस्तदात्मानस्तन्निष्ठास्तत्परायणा: |
गच्छन्त्यपुनरावृत्तिं ज्ञाननिर्धूतकल्मषा: ||17||

Those with minds absorbed in Brahman, steadfast in realization, purified by knowledge, attain the state beyond rebirth.

Nirdhuta-Kalmasah: One whose impurities are washed away.
Tat-Parayanah: One devoted to that Supreme.

Those aligned with the Supreme gain immunity from rebirth. Krishna presents the purity achieved through steady spiritual focus, guiding Arjuna toward understanding the fruits of undivided loyalty to the path of knowledge.

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विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि |
शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिता: समदर्शिन: ||18||

The wise see with equal vision a learned and humble Brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and an outcaste.

Shuni: Dog, symbolizing humility and equality.
Shvapake: Outcaste or one of low status.

Krishna advocates for equanimity, encouraging Arjuna to view all beings equally. This worldview, valuing all life, reveals the interconnectedness underpinning the universe and echoes the Gita’s call for humility and compassion.

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इहैव तैर्जित: सर्गो येषां साम्ये स्थितं मन: |
निर्दोषं हि समं ब्रह्म तस्माद् ब्रह्मणि ते स्थिता: ||19||

Those who conquer the cycle of rebirth here, whose minds are poised in equanimity, rest in Brahman, free from all blemishes.

Nirdosham: Free from faults or sin.
Sama: Equanimous, balanced or equal.

By describing those free from rebirth as “fixed in Brahman,” Krishna reveals how equanimity leads to liberation. This insight furthers Arjuna’s understanding that unwavering balance can dissolve karmic bonds.

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Karma Sannyasa Yogah - One who is steady-minded, unaffected by pain and pleasure, who does not rejoice or despair, is said to be established in Brahman.

न प्रहृष्येत्प्रियं प्राप्य नोद्विजेत्प्राप्य चाप्रियम् |
स्थिरबुद्धिरसम्मूढो ब्रह्मविद् ब्रह्मणि स्थित: ||20||

One who is steady-minded, unaffected by pain and pleasure, who does not rejoice or despair, is said to be established in Brahman.

Brahma-Vid: Knower of Brahman or Supreme truth.
Sthira-Buddhi: One of steady intelligence.

Krishna elaborates on the yogi’s steady mind, free from worldly elation or despair. This balanced outlook, unshaken by external forces, is presented as the hallmark of enlightenment, a state that transcends dualities.

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Karma Sannyasa Yogah - One who finds joy within, with a mind that does not cling to external contacts, attains everlasting happiness through union with Brahman.

बाह्यस्पर्शेष्वसक्तात्मा विन्दत्यात्मनि यत्सुखम् |
स ब्रह्मयोगयुक्तात्मा सुखमक्षयमश्नुते ||21||

One who finds joy within, with a mind that does not cling to external contacts, attains everlasting happiness through union with Brahman.

Brahma-Yoga: Union with Brahman or the Absolute.
Akshayam: Imperishable or eternal happiness.

Real joy, Krishna tells Arjuna, arises within, not from external contacts. This internal focus contrasts with sensory pleasure, introducing the theme of lasting spiritual contentment versus fleeting physical satisfaction.

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Karma Sannyasa Yogah - The pleasures that arise from contact are indeed sources of sorrow, for they have a beginning and an end, O son of Kunti. The wise do not delight in them.

ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा दु:खयोनय एव ते |
आद्यन्तवन्त: कौन्तेय न तेषु रमते बुध: ||22||

The pleasures that arise from contact are indeed sources of sorrow, for they have a beginning and an end, O son of Kunti. The wise do not delight in them.

Samsparsha-Ja: Born from contact, referring to material pleasures.
Duhkha-Yonayah: Sources of suffering.

Krishna’s advice against sensual pleasure, labeled as sources of suffering, highlights the Gita’s call for restraint. His words underscore the transient nature of physical joys, which distract from lasting spiritual contentment.

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