Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 6 (BG 5.6) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 5.6 — Translation of Meaning The ancient sages reached a profound conclusion regarding the place of action in the pursuit of self-knowledge, and the Blessed Lord here reaffirms this truth with great emphasis. True renunciation of action is impossible without the performance of duty. How can one renounce what one has not yet attained? The renunciation of one who abandons worldly life merely because desires remain unfulfilled and ambitions have turned to dust cannot be called genuine renunciation. When a vessel made of a particular metal becomes tarnished, a special chemical solution is applied to cleanse and polish it. The layer of rust that has accumulated dissolves in this solution. After some time, when the vessel is wiped clean with cloth, the tarnish is removed along with the solution, and a clean, gleaming, and attractive vessel appears. The process of purifying the mind is similar. Through the practice of karma yoga, the accumulated impressions and desires acquired over countless lifetimes are washed away. Then, with a purified mind, through the practice of deep meditation, one experiences the actionless Self—and this is true renunciation of action. Without this necessary preparation for meditation, if we renounce actions, we may become physically inactive, yet the mind's activity will persist. Outward-turning tendencies are not conducive to inner purification. In truth, this very outward tendency is the veil that obscures our divine beauty and capacity. This is the greatest discovery of the ancient Hindu sages in the realm of spiritual advancement. Where the Lord declares that fitness for meditation—purity of mind—cannot be attained without performing action in the spirit of karma yoga, He also assures seekers that through proper effort, they can cultivate this mental state conducive to meditation. The person who is united with yoga, who constantly engages in action with humility and selflessness, attains equanimity and one-pointedness of mind. When the seeker gains fitness for meditation practice, the purpose of action is fulfilled. Such a qualified sage swiftly experiences the Self. There is no fixed time limit for when the experience of the Supreme Self will occur. The word "swiftly" indicates this very truth. From the foregoing discussion, the reason why the performance of action is declared superior to renunciation of action becomes clear. When the seeker takes refuge in yoga, which is the means to right understanding, then...