Chapter 5 Verse 4
Karm Sanyās Yog
सांख्ययोगौ पृथग्बालाः प्रवदन्ति न पण्डिताः। एकमप्यास्थितः सम्यगुभयोर्विन्दते फलम्।।5.4।।
sānkhya-yogau pṛithag bālāḥ pravadanti na paṇḍitāḥ ekamapyāsthitaḥ samyag ubhayor vindate phalam
Word Meanings
| sānkhya | renunciation of actions |
| yogau | karm yog |
| pṛithak | different |
| bālāḥ | the ignorant |
| pravadanti | say |
| na | never |
| paṇḍitāḥ | the learned |
| ekam | in one |
| api | even |
| āsthitaḥ | being situated |
| samyak | completely |
| ubhayoḥ | of both |
| vindate | achieve |
| phalam | the result |
Translation
Children, not the wise, speak of knowledge and the Yoga of action, or the performance of action, as though they are distinct and different; he who is truly established in one, obtains the fruits of both.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
People who are not spiritually mature talk as if knowledge and action are completely different paths. The verse says the truly wise do not separate them.
If a person is firmly established in one—either in true understanding or in selfless action—they will naturally attain the benefits of both. Right knowledge guides action, and sincere action deepens knowledge.
In practice, inner wisdom and outer work meet: when you act from clarity and without attachment, your work becomes a form of yoga, and your insight grows through doing.
Life Application
- Do your daily duties with attention and without clinging to results; this turns work into practice.
- Learn or reflect briefly each day, then apply one insight immediately in your actions.
- When deciding, ask if your choice comes from clarity and care rather than ego or fear.
Reflection Question
How can I bring a little more understanding into the next thing I do?