Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 5.6

Shloka 5.6

“Renunciation is hard without yoga, O Arjuna; the disciplined yogi quickly attains Brahman.”

Key Teaching: Yoga enables renunciation, leading quickly to Brahman.

Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Sannyasa Yoga.

500Word Description:
Krishna teaches that renunciation is difficult without yoga, but a disciplined yogi quickly attains Brahman. This verse, continuing 5.4–5, addresses Arjuna’s confusion (5.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies the path to Brahman, and Karma Sannyasa Yoga, as he emphasizes disciplined action, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s inclination toward renunciation (1.28–46) lacks yoga’s discipline. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s undisciplined actions (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to use yoga for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 4.18).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human difficulty of renunciation, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on disciplined action (4.18–20). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to combine yoga and renunciation. The theme of Karma Sannyasa Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on disciplined liberation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its practical clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s spiritual challenges, where yoga enables liberation. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with discipline, aligning with Brahman.