Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga

इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवानहमव्ययम्। विवस्वान्मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत्॥ 4:1॥

I passed on this enduring Yoga to Vivaswata (Sun-god), Vivaswān shared it with Manu, and Manu transmitted it to Ikshawāku. (4:1)

एवं परम्पराप्राप्तमिमं राजर्षयो विदुः। स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्टः परन्तप॥ 4:2॥

The Rājarshis came to know of this Yoga handed down by tradition, but with time, its knowledge was lost, O, Conqueror of the Foes (Arjuna)! (4:2)

स एवायं मया तेऽद्य योगः प्रोक्तः पुरातनः। भक्तोऽसि मे सखा चेति रहस्यं ह्येतदुत्तमम्॥ 4:3॥

Today I revealed this great secret, ancient Yoga, to you because you are my devout friend. (4:3)

अपरं भवतो जन्म परं जन्म विवस्वतः। कथमेतद्विजानीयां त्वमादौ प्रोक्तवानिति॥ 4:4॥

Your birth is recent, whereas Vivaswata (the Sun-god) was born long back. How do I believe that it was you who explained this Yoga to Vivaswata? (4:4)

बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि जन्मानि तव चार्जुन। तान्यहं वेद सर्वाणि न त्वं वेत्थ परन्तप॥ 4:5॥

I have had many incarnations in the past, and you have undergone numerous births too, which are all known to Me though you are unaware of them. (4:5)

अजोऽपि सन्नव्ययात्मा भूतानामीश्वरोऽपि सन्। प्रकृतिं स्वामधिष्ठाय सम्भवाम्यात्ममायया॥ 4:6॥

Though I am beyond birth and death, and I am the Lord of all beings, I assume a personified form and appear in the world from time to time with the help of my Māyā—My Power of Creation—quelling the sway of Nature {so that Nature's Gunas do not impact My personified embodiment like they overpower ordinary mortals}. (4:6)

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत। अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥ 4:7॥

O, Arjuna, the Descendant of King Bharata! Whenever there is a diminution of virtuosity and righteousness and the world experiences ascendancy of evil, I reincarnate Myself {and materialize on earth with a personified name and form}. (4:7)

परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्। धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे॥ 4:8॥

In each era, my incarnation serves to safeguard the righteous, vanquish malevolence, and restore the moral order (dharma). (4:8)

जन्म कर्म च मे दिव्यमेवं यो वेत्ति तत्त्वतः। त्यक्त्वा देहं पुनर्जन्म नैति मामेति सोऽर्जुन॥ 4:9॥

O Arjuna! Whoever understands the divine nature of My birth and actions is not reborn after death and ultimately joins Me. (4:9)

वीतरागभयक्रोधा मन्मया मामुपाश्रिताः। बहवो ज्ञानतपसा पूता मद्भावमागताः॥ 4:10॥

Numerous devotees, who, having liberated themselves from attachment, fear, and anger, have sought refuge in Me remaining fully immersed in Me, have purified their souls with the knowledge of Me, and have in the past been drawn into My Being. (4:10)

ये यथा मां प्रपद्यन्ते तांस्तथैव भजाम्यहम्। मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः॥ 4:11॥

O Son of Prithā (Arjuna)! Devotees connect with Me in various ways, expressing diverse sentiments and forms of worship. In return, I reciprocate in kind. Yet, all these paths ultimately lead to Me. (4:11)

काङ्क्षन्तः कर्मणां सिद्धिं यजन्त इह देवताः। क्षिप्रं हि मानुषे लोके सिद्धिर्भवति कर्मजा॥ 4:12॥

In this world, individuals seeking swift success or the fulfillment of worldly desires often turn to lesser deities instead of the Supreme Divine, finding quicker results. (4:12)

चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः। तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम्॥ 4:13॥

I created the four varnas (social-occupational classes) according to people's traits and professions. Even though I am their Creator, know Me to be beyond change and unattached (akartā) to this {four-fold social order}. (4:13)

न मां कर्माणि लिम्पन्ति न मे कर्मफले स्पृहा। इति मां योऽभिजानाति कर्मभिर्न स बध्यते॥ 4:14॥

I do not crave the outcomes of My actions; hence, My actions do not bind me. One who knows Me thus unshackles oneself from the bondage of karmas. (4:14)

एवं ज्ञात्वा कृतं कर्म पूर्वैरपि मुमुक्षुभिः। कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वं पूर्वैः पूर्वतरं कृतम्॥ 4:15॥

Knowing this, in the past, those who sought Nirvāna— liberation from birth and death—performed all actions on these lines; so, you should also act as those sages of the ancient times acted. (4:15)

किं कर्म किमकर्मेति कवयोऽप्यत्र मोहिताः। तत्ते कर्म प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात्॥ 4:16॥

In understanding what karma (action) is and what akarma is, even the intelligent get perplexed. I will tell you what karma is, paving the way to liberation from all evil. (4:16)

कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मणः। अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गतिः॥ 4:17॥

Know what karma is, what vikarma is, and what akarma is. The ways of action are tough to fathom. (4:17)

कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म यः। स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्॥ 4:18॥

The one who sees akarma (action without a binding effects) in karma (action) and karma (action) in akarma (actionlessness) is wise among humans and, despite remaining engaged in different activities, is a Yogi and realized the essence of all endeavors. (4:18)

यस्य सर्वे समारम्भाः कामसङ्कल्पवर्जिताः। ज्ञानाग्निदग्धकर्माणां तमाहुः पण्डितं बुधाः॥ 4:19॥

He whose endeavors are never launched by the will of desire-fulfillment, whose actions are seared in the purifying fire of knowledge {so as not to produce any good or bad fruits for the afterlife}—is called a man of true learning by the wise. (4:19)

त्यक्त्वा कर्मफलासङ्गं नित्यतृप्तो निराश्रयः। कर्मण्यभिप्रवृत्तोऽपि नैव किंचित्करोति सः॥ 4:20॥

One who has shed all craving for the fruits of one's work, who is always brimming with the bliss of contentment, never seeking shelter from anyone {except God}, does "nothing" despite remaining engaged in activities. (4:20)

निराशीर्यतचित्तात्मा त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः। शारीरं केवलं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम्॥ 4:21॥

He who has relinquished superfluous possessions, holds no expectations, possesses a disciplined heart and mind, and acts merely for sustenance, accumulates no sin. (4:21)

यदृच्छालाभसन्तुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः। समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते॥ 4:22॥

He who is contented with whatever gain comes his way without craving for it, who has risen beyond inner conflicts, who harbors no feelings of envy, and who remains equanimous in both successes and failures, does not come under the binding effects of his actions {that may cause rebirth}, despite performing all activities (4:22)

गतसङ्गस्य मुक्तस्य ज्ञानावस्थितचेतसः। यज्ञायाचरतः कर्म समग्रं प्रविलीयते॥ 4:23॥

All acts of a person dissolve into nothingness {leaving no kārmic trails that may cause reincarnation} whose attachment {to the worldly objects and affairs} has melted away, who experiences real freedom {due to disappearance of attachment}, whose mind is always stable in {spiritual} Knowledge, and all of whose acts are like a yajna (offerings to God). (4:23)

ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविर्ब्रह्माग्रौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम्। ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना॥ 4:24॥

In the yajna where every component—the ladle, the act of offering, the sanctified butter, the offerer, and even the fire—are all manifestations of the Supreme Divine, the ultimate realization or fruit of such a ceremony is also the Supreme Divine. (4:24)

दैवमेवापरे यज्ञं योगिनः पर्युपासते। ब्रह्माग्नावपरे यज्ञं यज्ञेनैवोपजुह्वति॥ 4:25॥

Through yajna, other Yogis worship the subordinate deities {and not God}, while some others offer yajna itself as oblation in the yajna-fire of God-the-Supreme. (4:25)

श्रोत्रादीनीन्द्रियाण्यन्ये संयमाग्निषु जुह्वति। शब्दादीन्विषयानन्य इन्द्रियाग्निषु जुह्वति॥ 4:26॥

Some offer hearing and other sense organs into the fires of restraint; others offer sounds and other sensual pleasures to the {purifying} blaze of sense organs. (4:26)

सर्वाणीन्द्रियकर्माणि प्राणकर्माणि चापरे। आत्मसंयमयोगाग्नौ जुह्वति ज्ञानदीपिते॥ 4:27॥

Some dedicate the actions of their senses and the movements of their life-breath into the luminous fire of self-discipline, kindled by spiritual wisdom. (4:27)

द्रव्ययज्ञास्तपोयज्ञा योगयज्ञास्तथापरे। स्वाध्यायज्ञानयज्ञाश्च यतयः संशितव्रताः॥ 4:28॥

Engaging one's wealth in charitable acts and the betterment of others {with the intent to gain God's Grace} is a form of spiritual pursuit (yajna). Embracing austerity with an aim for Self-realization is another form of yajna. Engaging in {Meditative} Yoga and delving into self-study {focusing on scriptures and spiritually enlightening texts} are also esteemed yajnas. Upholding strict vows, various seekers ardently engage in these diverse spiritual disciplines. (4:28)

अपाने जुह्वति प्राणं प्राणेऽपानं तथापरे। प्राणापानगती रुद्ध्वा प्राणायामपरायणाः॥ 4:29॥ अपरे नियताहाराः प्राणान्प्राणेषु जुह्वति। सर्वेऽप्येते यज्ञविदो यज्ञक्षपितकल्मषाः॥ 4:30॥

Others, who are devoted to {the secret science of} breath-control, offer the incoming breath (Prāna Vāyu) into the outgoing breath (Apāna Vāyu) and the outgoing breath (Apāna Vāyu) into the incoming breath (Prāna Vāyu). They thus arrest inhalation and exhalation {to remain in Samādhi—the highest state of concentration in God or the inner Self—without any physical movement, including inhalation and exhalation} rendering breathing unnecessary through the practice of breath control (prānāyāma). By regulating their diet, other devotees offer all kinds of prānas (breath and other airs within the body) as oblations in the fire of the {one common} Prāna. All these spiritual aspirants are knowers of yajnas (spiritual pursuits) and have their sins destroyed by yajna. (4:29-30)

यज्ञशिष्टामृतभुजो यान्ति ब्रह्म सनातनम्। नायं लोकोऽस्त्ययज्ञस्य कुतोऽन्यः कुरुसत्तम॥ 4:31॥

O, Arjuna, Scion of the Kuru Lineage! {Each of} the yajna (spiritual pursuit) produces nectar at the end, by consuming which the spiritual aspirant is drawn into the Being of God. But those who are not given to any spiritual pursuit (yajna) may not find happiness here in this world, what to speak of the other world! (4:31)

एवं बहुविधा यज्ञा वितता ब्रह्मणो मुखे। कर्मजान्विद्धि तान्सर्वानेवं ज्ञात्वा विमोक्ष्यसे॥ 4:32॥

Numerous spiritual paths have been revealed by the Divine, all rooted in human intent and effort. Grasping the essence of these paths grants liberation from worldly shackles. (4:32)

श्रेयान्द्रव्यमयाद्यज्ञाज्ज्ञानयज्ञः परन्तप। सर्वं कर्माखिलं पार्थ ज्ञाने परिसमाप्यते॥ 4:33॥

O Vanquisher of Enemies (Arjuna)! The path rooted in Knowledge surpasses those centered on material offerings, {where items such as clarified butter and grains are sacrificed to sacred flames.} This is because all actions are consumed and purified in the enlightening fire of Knowledge {leaving no kārmic residue to bind us to cycles of rebirth}. (4:33)

तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया। उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः॥ 4:34॥

Seek this profound Knowledge from the enlightened sages. Approach them with reverence, serve them earnestly, and humbly present your queries and uncertainties. In their wisdom, they shall bestow upon you the insights of spirituality. (4:34)

यज्ज्ञात्वा न पुनर्मोहमेवं यास्यसि पाण्डव। येन भूतान्यशेषेण द्रक्ष्यस्यात्मन्यथो मयि॥ 4:35॥

On receiving spiritual enlightenment {from those saints and seers}, O, Son of Pāndu, Arjuna, you will not again fall into delusion and will be able to see all living beings in your Self and then, eventually, in Me {because your soul and the souls of all other beings are inseparable fractions of Me—the One All-pervading Indivisible Spirit}. (4:35)

अपि चेदसि पापेभ्यः सर्वेभ्यः पापकृत्तमः। सर्वं ज्ञानप्लवेनैव वृजिनं सन्तरिष्यसि॥ 4:36॥

Even if you have been the most sinful of all sinners, you will cross over {the river of} all sins by the boat of spiritual insight. (4:36)

यथैधांसि समिद्धोऽग्निर्भस्मसात्कुरुतेऽर्जुन। ज्ञानाग्निः सर्वकर्माणि भस्मसात्कुरुते तथा॥ 4:37॥

Much like a blazing fire reduces firewood to ashes, the radiance of spiritual enlightenment consumes {the rebirth-causing potency of} all human acts. (4:37)

न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते। तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति ॥ 4:38॥

There is nothing in this world as purifying as {spiritual} Knowledge. After a long engagement, when Yoga attains fruition, this Knowledge begins radiating inside us automatically. (4:38)

श्रद्धावाँल्लभते ज्ञानं तत्परः संयतेन्द्रियः। ज्ञानं लब्ध्वा परां शान्तिमचिरेणाधिगच्छति॥ 4:39॥

Spiritual Knowledge and enlightenment are attained by the one who has faith and reverence, makes unceasing efforts, and keeps one's senses under control. Such a one soon finds supreme peace and serenity after spiritual enlightenment dawns upon them. (4:39)

अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति। नायं लोकोऽस्ति न परो न सुखं संशयात्मनः॥ 4:40॥

One who is uncultivated, lacking in faith and reverence, and always in doubt faces ruination {instead of receiving enlightenment}. For such individuals, neither this world nor the beyond holds any promise, and true happiness remains elusive. (4:40)

योगसन्न्यस्तकर्माणं ज्ञानसञ्छिन्नसंशयम्‌। आत्मवन्तं न कर्माणि निबध्नन्ति धनंजय॥ 4:41॥

O, Dhananjaya (Arjuna)! One who has consecrated all their acts to God through Yoga, whose doubts have been laid to rest by Knowledge, and who is always poised in the Self is not bound {to the cycle of birth and death} by any of their actions. (4:41)

तस्मादज्ञानसम्भूतं हृत्स्थं ज्ञानासिनात्मनः। छित्त्वैनं संशयं योगमातिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भारत॥ 4:42॥

Hence, O Descendant of King Bharata! Wield the sword of spiritual wisdom to cut through the doubt born of ignorance in your heart. Embrace {Karma-} Yoga and stand ready for the battle. (4:42)