Chapter 18 Verse 5
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यं कार्यमेव तत्।यज्ञो दानं तपश्चैव पावनानि मनीषिणाम्।।18.5।।
yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-karma na tyājyaṁ kāryam eva tat yajño dānaṁ tapaśh chaiva pāvanāni manīṣhiṇām
Word Meanings
| yajña | sacrifice |
| dāna | charity |
| tapaḥ | penance |
| karma | actions |
| na | never |
| tyājyam | should be abandoned |
| kāryam eva | must certainly be performed |
| tat | that |
| yajñaḥ | sacrifice |
| dānam | charity |
| tapaḥ | penance |
| cha | and |
| eva | indeed |
| pāvanāni | purifying |
| manīṣhiṇām | for the wise |
Translation
Acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity should not be abandoned, but should be performed; for sacrifice, gift, and austerity are the purifiers of the wise.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that acts of sacrifice, charity, and disciplined practice should not be dropped. These actions help cleanse the heart and mind of selfishness and pride.
The words point to inner work as much as outer rituals. Giving, self-control, and offering effort without craving results make a person wiser and purer.
Even when one turns away from ordinary life, performing such purifying practices in a balanced way remains important. The key is the right attitude—doing these things selflessly, not for show.
Life Application
- Give time, money, or skill regularly with no expectation of reward — small, steady generosity matters.
- Keep simple disciplines: daily quiet time, mindful eating, or limiting distractions to build inner strength.
- Treat your daily work and duties as an offering; focus on doing them well without clinging to outcomes.
Reflection Question
What small, selfless practice can I begin today to purify my intentions?