Bhagavad Gītā · Chapter 5 of 18 · 29 verses
The Yoga of Renunciation of Action
Karma Sannyāsa Yoga
Arjuna is still weighing two paths: should he renounce action altogether, or act in the spirit of yoga? Chapter five settles the question with great gentleness. Krishna teaches that renunciation and the yoga of action both lead to the highest good, yet acting selflessly in the world is the more practical way. True renunciation is inward — a letting go of craving and aversion — not a fleeing from responsibility. The person who works without attachment moves through the world untouched, as a lotus leaf resting on water remains dry. Such a sage sees the same divine presence in every being, keeps an even mind in pleasure and pain, and discovers a joy that does not depend on the senses. The chapter ends with one of the simplest formulas for peace in all scripture: know the Lord as the enjoyer of every offering, the ruler of all worlds, and the friend of every heart.
What this chapter teaches
- True renunciation is an inner release of craving and aversion, not an outer abandonment of duty.
- Selfless action and formal renunciation lead to the same goal, but acting without attachment is the more livable path.
- One who offers every action to the Divine remains untouched by the world, like a lotus leaf on water.
- The wise see the same sacred presence in every being and so look on all with equal eyes.
- Lasting peace comes from knowing the Lord as the enjoyer of all offerings and the friend of every creature.
Key verses
Know as a true renunciate the one who neither hates nor craves; free from the pairs of opposites, such a person is easily released from bondage.
Renunciation is measured in the heart, not the wardrobe. Notice one strong like or dislike today, and practice holding it a little more lightly.
ब्रह्मण्याधाय कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा करोति यः। लिप्यते न स पापेन पद्मपत्रमिवाम्भसा॥
brahmaṇy ādhāya karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā karoti yaḥ lipyate na sa pāpena padma-patram ivāmbhasā
One who acts, placing all actions in the Divine and letting go of attachment, is untouched by wrong — as a lotus leaf is untouched by water.
You can be fully in the world without the world soaking into you. Do your part wholeheartedly today, then let the outcome roll off like water from the leaf.
The soul steadied in yoga gives up the fruit of action and attains abiding peace; the unsteady, attached to results and driven by desire, remains bound.
Clinging to outcomes quietly steals your peace. Finish one task today and consciously hand over its result before rushing to check it.
विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि। शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः॥
vidyā-vinaya-sampanne brāhmaṇe gavi hastini śuni caiva śva-pāke ca paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ
The wise look with equal vision upon a sage rich in learning and humility, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and one whom society has cast out.
Every being you meet today carries the same divine presence. Let this soften how you treat the person the world overlooks.
Pleasures born of contact with the world are wombs of sorrow; they have a beginning and an end, O son of Kuntī, and the wise do not rest their joy in them.
Enjoy what comes, but do not build your happiness on what must pass. Anchor your joy a little deeper than the next pleasant thing.
भोक्तारं यज्ञतपसां सर्वलोकमहेश्वरम्। सुहृदं सर्वभूतानां ज्ञात्वा मां शान्तिमृच्छति॥
bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati
Knowing Me as the enjoyer of all offerings and disciplines, the great Lord of all worlds, and the friend of every being, one attains peace.
Peace begins the moment you remember you are befriended by the Lord of all worlds. Rest in that friendship for one quiet breath today.
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