Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 5 verse 2
Chapter 5 · Karma Sanyasa Yoga

A Clear Answer · Action Slightly Favored

श्रीभगवानुवाच । संन्यासः कर्मयोगश्च निःश्रेयसकरावुभौ । तयोस्तु कर्मसंन्यासात्कर्मयोगो विशिष्यते ।।2।।

śrī bhagavān uvāca sannyāsaḥ karma-yogaś ca niḥśreyasa-karāv ubhau tayos tu karma-sannyāsāt karma-yogo viśiṣyate

Meaning

"The Supreme Lord said: Both renunciation and the yoga of action lead to the highest good; but of the two, the yoga of action is superior."

Explanation

Krishna gives Arjuna the direct answer he asked for, while affirming that both paths are ultimately valid.

Today's Life Lesson

When someone asks you a direct question today, try to give a clear answer rather than leaving them uncertain.

More verses to reflect on