Universe: Knowledge and action

na karmanam anarambhan naishkarmyam purusho ’shnute na cha sannyasanad eva

siddhim samadhigachchhati

(One cannot achieve freedom from karmic reactions by merely abstaining from work, nor can one attain perfection of knowledge by mere physical renunciation)

The first line of this verse refers to the karm yogi (follower of the discipline of work), and the second line refers to the sankhya yogi (follower of the discipline of knowledge).

In the first line, Shree Krishna says that abstinence from work does not result in freedom from karmic reactions. The mind continues to engage in fruitive thoughts, and since mental work is also a form of karma, it also binds one in karmic reactions. A true karm yogi must learn to work without any attachment to the fruits of actions. This requires illumination of the intellect with wisdom. Hence, for success in karm yog, philosophic knowledge is necessary.

In the second line, Shree Krishna declares that the sankhya yogi cannot attain the state of knowledge merely by becoming a monk and renouncing the world. One might not hanker for the physical objects of the senses, but true knowledge cannot awaken as long as the mind remains impure.

The mind has a tendency to repeat its previous thoughts. Such repetition creates a channel within the mind, and new thoughts flow irresistibly in the same direction. Out of previous habit, the materially contaminated mind keeps running in the direction of anxiety, stress, resentment, and the whole gamut of material emotions. Thus, realised knowledge will not manifest in an impure heart through mere physical renunciation. It must be accompanied by suitable action that purifies the mind and intellect. Therefore, for success in Sankhya Yog, work is also necessary.

It is appropriately said that devotion without philosophy is sentimentality, and philosophy without devotion is intellectual speculation. Likewise, action and knowledge are necessary in both Karm Yog and Sankhya Yog. It is only their proportion that varies, thereby creating a difference between the two paths.

— Excerpted from ‘Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living’ with permission from Rupa