Arjuna said Renunciation of actions, O Krishna, Thou praisest, and again Yoga. Tell me conclusively that which is the better of the two.
In simple words
Arjuna is still confused and asks Krishna directly: "One moment you praise giving up all action, the next you praise doing action. Just tell me clearly, Krishna — which one is actually better?"
संन्यासम्renunciationकर्मणाम्of actionsकृष्णO Krishnaपुनःagainयोगम्Yogaचandशंससि(Thou) praisestयत्whichश्रेयःbetterएतयोःof these twoएकम्oneतत्thatमेto meब्रूहिtell
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सुनिश्चितम्conclusively
5.1 संन्यासम् renunciation? कर्मणाम् of actions? कृष्ण O Krishna? पुनः again? योगम् Yoga? च and? शंससि (Thou) praisest? यत् which? श्रेयः better? एतयोः of these two? एकम् one? तत् that? मे to me? ब्रूहि tell? सुनिश्चितम् conclusively.Commentary Thou teachest renunciation of actions and also their performance. This has confused me. Tell decisively now which is better. It is not possible for a man to resort to both of them at the same time. Yoga here means Karma Yoga. (Cf.III.2)
Contemporary scholarly and practical interpretations for modern seekers.
This interpretation draws on a specific tradition and may not represent the view of any single school. For authoritative guidance within a specific tradition, seek a qualified teacher.
Modern
From Arjuna's question, it becomes clear that, unknowingly, he had already freed himself considerably from his state of despair. By listening attentively to the Lord's teachings and reflecting upon them, his mind had begun to settle. By nature, Arjuna was inclined toward action, and therefore the path of karma yoga was agreeable and acceptable to him. Yet, at many points, Sri Krishna had presented knowledge and the renunciation of action as superior to other forms of sacrifice, and this created doubt in Arjuna's mind. This was why he could not determine for himself which path to follow. Thus, the purpose of his question is to seek clarity on this matter.
There is another consideration as well: one who has suffered from mental disturbance, even upon gaining some relief from that affliction, does not quickly regain complete confidence. It is the common experience of all that a person who awakens from a terrible nightmare takes some time to become fully composed and to return to sleep. Arjuna's condition was precisely the same. Even as he emerged from his state of mental anguish and confusion, he found himself unable to fully comprehend and reflect upon the teachings of his charioteer, Sri Krishna. Arjuna had concluded that the Lord was presenting before him two options: the path of karma yoga and the path of renunciation of action. Therefore, he wished to know from Sri Krishna which one of these two paths was the definite course to be followed for his own spiritual welfare.
The purpose of this chapter is to clarify that these two paths are not alternatives to be chosen between, nor are they complementary practices to be undertaken simultaneously. Rather, karma yoga and the renunciation of action must be pursued in their proper sequence—one after the other, not both together. This is the subject of this chapter.