Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 5.5

Shloka 5.5

“The state reached by renunciation is also reached by action yoga; one who sees them as one is wise.”

Key Teaching: Action yoga and renunciation lead to the same state; seeing them as one is wisdom.

Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Sannyasa Yoga.

Description:
Krishna reiterates that the state attained through renunciation is also reached through action yoga, and seeing them as one reflects wisdom. This verse, continuing 5.4, addresses Arjuna’s confusion (5.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he unifies spiritual paths, and Karma Sannyasa Yoga, as he emphasizes their equivalence, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s doubt (1.28–46, 5.1) stems from seeing action and renunciation as separate. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorant actions (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to unify them in his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 4.18).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human error of separating spiritual paths, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on unity (4.18). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to recognize oneness. The theme of Karma Sannyasa Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on unified liberation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its wise clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s spiritual paths, where unity ensures liberation. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with unified wisdom, aligning with spiritual freedom.