Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 5.8

Shloka 5.8

“A yogi, knowing the truth, thinks: ‘I do not act,’ though seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, eating, moving, sleeping, breathing.”
Key Teaching: A yogi knows they do not act, despite sensory and bodily functions, due to divine truth.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that a yogi, knowing the truth, believes they do not act, despite engaging in sensory and bodily functions like seeing or breathing. This verse, building on 5.7, addresses Arjuna’s hesitation (2.9, 5.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies non-attachment, and Karma Sannyasa Yoga, as he emphasizes detached action, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s attachment to actions (1.28–46) clouds his duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s ego-driven actions (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to detach from sensory actions as a Kshatriya, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 4.18). True knowledge negates the self as the doer.

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human illusion of agency, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on the self (2.12–25, 4.18). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to see actions as divine. The theme of Karma Sannyasa Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on detached action for liberation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its profound clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s actions, where true knowledge detaches the self. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty without ego, aligning with spiritual freedom.