Chapter 2 Verse 49
Sānkhya Yog
दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय। बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणाः फलहेतवः।।2.49।।
dūreṇa hy-avaraṁ karma buddhi-yogād dhanañjaya buddhau śharaṇam anvichchha kṛipaṇāḥ phala-hetavaḥ
Word Meanings
| dūreṇa | (discrad) from far away |
| hi | certainly |
| avaram | inferior |
| karma | reward-seeking actions |
| buddhi-yogāt | with the intellect established in Divine knowledge |
| dhanañjaya | Arjun |
| buddhau | divine knowledge and insight |
| śharaṇam | refuge |
| anvichchha | seek |
| kṛipaṇāḥ | miserly |
| phala-hetavaḥ | those seeking fruits of their work |
Translation
Far lower than the Yoga of wisdom is action, O Arjuna. Seek thou refuge in wisdom; wretched are those whose motive is the fruit.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that action done only to get rewards is lower than acting from wisdom. Wisdom (buddhi-yoga) means seeing the deeper truth about yourself and your duty, not chasing praise or gain.
To "seek refuge in wisdom" means make inner understanding your guide. When your choices come from clear seeing and calm judgment, your work becomes steady and free of anxiety about results.
Those who work only for fruits are called miserable because their peace depends on outcomes they cannot control. Wisdom brings freedom: you do your part, but you are not bound by success or failure.
Life Application
- Before you act, ask whether this choice comes from understanding or from wanting reward. Choose the wiser motive.
- Do your duties with full attention, then let go of attachment to results — focus on effort, not outcomes.
- Build daily habits that strengthen wisdom: short reflection, honest self-checks, and learning from experience rather than from praise.
Reflection Question
Am I doing this because it is right and wise, or because I want a reward or approval?