Chapter 2 Verse 39
Sānkhya Yog
एषा तेऽभिहिता सांख्ये बुद्धिर्योगे त्विमां श्रृणु। बुद्ध्यायुक्तो यया पार्थ कर्मबन्धं प्रहास्यसि।।2.39।।
eṣhā te ’bhihitā sānkhye buddhir yoge tvimāṁ śhṛiṇu buddhyā yukto yayā pārtha karma-bandhaṁ prahāsyasi
Word Meanings
| eṣhā | hitherto |
| te | to you |
| abhihitā | explained |
| sānkhye | by analytical knowledge |
| buddhiḥ yoge | by the yog of intellect |
| tu | indeed |
| imām | this |
| śhṛiṇu | listen |
| buddhyā | by understanding |
| yuktaḥ | united |
| yayā | by which |
| pārtha | Arjun, the son of Pritha |
| karma-bandham | bondage of karma |
| prahāsyasi | you shall be released from |
Translation
This, which has been taught to you, is wisdom concerning Sankhya. Now listen to wisdom concerning Yoga, endowed with which, O Arjuna, you shall cast off the bonds of action.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna tells Arjuna that he has already taught the analytic wisdom (Sankhya). Now he will teach the practical wisdom of Yoga. This Yoga is not only theory but a way to live with steady understanding.
When your mind and actions are guided by clear, calm understanding (buddhi), you stop being tied to the push and pull of results. Acting with right wisdom frees you from the inner bondage created by expectation and worry.
This verse points to a balance: knowing reality is helpful, but true freedom comes when knowledge is joined with right action. Understanding must shape how you do your work so it does not bind you.
Life Application
- Before you act, take a moment to check your intention: are you doing this out of duty and clarity, or out of desire for reward?
- Do your tasks fully, but let go of clinging to specific outcomes; treat results as information, not identity.
- Build a simple habit (a brief pause, breath, or one-line intention) to bring calm understanding into each action.
Reflection Question
How can I act today with clear intention and without clinging to the result?