5-1

Arjuna said: O Krishna, first You ask me to renounce action, and then again You recommend acting with devotion. Please tell me definitively, which of these two paths is more beneficial?

Explanation: In this verse, Arjuna is faced with a dilemma. He wants to understand which type of spiritual practice leads to the highest spiritual attainment. He points to two paths: firstly, those who serve God in a personal form with faithful love, and secondly, those who choose contemplation on the Absolute or Unmanifest, the Divine essence that transcends physical form and is indescribable.

5-2

The Supreme Lord replied: Both renunciation of action and action with devotion are good for achieving liberation. But of the two, action with devotion is better than renunciation of action.

Explanation: Why is selfless action considered better? Renunciation of actions, if not based on inner spiritual discipline and understanding, can create confusion or stagnation of spiritual growth. On the other hand, selfless action allows a person to live in the world and progress spiritually at the same time, because it teaches one to perform one's duties without expecting reward, but offering them to God. It is an active approach to life where spiritual growth is achieved through the challenges of everyday life and work. This verse emphasizes that although renunciation of actions may seem like the fastest path to spiritual liberation, in reality, actively performing actions with a selfless attitude and without attachment provides a deeper and more lasting spiritual benefit.

5-3

He who neither hates nor desires the fruits of action is considered always renounced. Such a person, O mighty-armed Arjuna, free from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated.

Explanation: Krishna points to the true nature of renunciation of worldly attachments. It is not related only to external renunciation of material things, but more to an internal attitude. A person who feels neither hatred nor desires has truly renounced worldly attachments. This means that his mind is not tied to dualities – joy and sorrow, success and failure.

5-4

Only the ignorant speak of devotional service (the path of action) as being different from the analytical study of the world (the path of knowledge). In fact, the learned say that one who diligently follows either path achieves the fruits of both.

Explanation: This verse indicates that only the ignorant or those who are not wise enough believe that the path of knowledge (an intellectual path to enlightenment) and the path of spiritual discipline (a practical path that includes contemplation) are completely different. In reality, they are complementary and both lead to the same goal - God-realization. The wise understand that both paths have the same goal - enlightenment and union with the highest truth. Therefore, if a person chooses one path and follows it with full commitment and the right approach, he can achieve the same result offered by both paths. This verse emphasizes that spiritual growth does not depend on the choice of a specific method, but on how well a person practices it and how deeply they understand it.

5-5

That state which is attained through the path of knowledge is also attained through the path of spiritual discipline. He who sees that the path of knowledge and spiritual discipline are the same, truly sees.

Explanation: Krishna explains that both the intellectual path of knowledge and the path of spiritual discipline lead to the same goal - the attainment of the highest truth. The path of knowledge means intellectual inquiry and understanding of the true nature of the world and oneself, while spiritual discipline involves practice, concentration and contemplation to achieve unity with the highest reality. It is also emphasized that both paths have the same goal, and the person who understands that they are complementary truly understands the spiritual path. This verse encourages understanding that regardless of which path a person chooses, both lead to enlightenment and the highest truth.

5-6

O mighty-armed Arjuna, without service to the Lord, happiness is not possible to achieve by simply renouncing all actions. But the wise who are devoted to serving God can quickly attain the Supreme.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that renouncing actions without spiritual discipline, which in this context means serving God, is a very difficult path that often leads to suffering. This is because the mind still craves the material world, even if a person has physically renounced it. Only through the practice of spiritual discipline, which includes mind discipline, contemplation and spiritual consciousness, can a person quickly attain the highest truth – Divine consciousness, Absolute Reality. This verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual discipline and indicates that mere renunciation without spiritual discipline is not sufficient to achieve spiritual perfection.

5-7

He who acts with devotion, whose soul is pure, who controls his mind and senses, is dear to all, and all are dear to him. Although he is always acting, he is never entangled.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes a person who practices spiritual discipline and has achieved spiritual purity and self-control. Such a person has purified his mind of egoism and selfish desires (he has a pure soul) and conquered his senses – he is no longer a slave to his sensual desires. His mind is stable, and he has fully controlled both his inner and outer tendencies. Importantly, such a person realizes that his own soul is connected to the souls of all beings. He understands that the soul is one in all living beings, which leads him to a sense of unity with all creation. Therefore, even if he performs actions in the world, he is not entangled by these actions – he does not consider himself the owner or performer of the results of this action. He acts selflessly, without attachment and does not become attached to the material world.

5-8

A person who is aware of the Divine always thinks: "I am doing nothing," even though he sees, hears, feels, smells, eats, moves, sleeps, breathes.

Explanation: This verse describes the attitude and understanding acquired by a person who has mastered spiritual discipline and attained the highest understanding of truth. Such a person understands that he himself, as a body, is not the performer of actions, but simply an observer. All actions – seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, eating, walking, sleeping, and breathing – are physical activities performed by the body and are not related to the true nature of the soul. A person who has understood the truth sees that the soul is separate from the body and is not tied to worldly actions. This means that he understands – all physical actions occur only in the natural order of the world, but his true self (the soul) remains unconnected to these actions. This understanding frees a person from attachment to actions and results, because he understands that his true essence is beyond the physical body and the actions of the world. This spiritual state allows a person to live in the world and fulfill his duties, but at the same time remain free from the consequences of actions, because he does not identify with physical actions and the material world. This is a high level of spiritual discipline in which a person has gained freedom from the connection of action with the ego.

5-9

Because he knows that, although speaking, evacuating, giving, opening and closing his eyes, he is simply allowing the material senses to act on their objects.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna continues to explain how a person who has mastered the teachings of spiritual discipline and is aware of his true nature sees his actions in the world. He understands that all actions – speaking, releasing something, receiving, opening or closing the eyes – are only the actions of the senses acting in relation to their objects. Such a person is not carried away by actions, he understands that his true self is not involved in these actions. These are just bodily and sensory functions that happen automatically but do not affect the soul. The soul, connected to spiritual discipline, remains free and uninvolved in actions, just as a mirror reflects but does not participate in what it reflects.

5-10

He who performs actions, dedicating them to Divine consciousness and renouncing attachment, is not stained by sin, just as a lotus leaf remains untouched by water.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna teaches that a person who dedicates his deeds to Divine consciousness, that is, performs all actions with thoughts of the Divine and without attachment to the results of actions, is not bound by sin and the consequences of actions. He compares this state to a lotus leaf, which, while in water, remains unwetted and untouched. Similarly, a person who lives selflessly and performs his actions without personal ambitions or attachments remains spiritually pure and does not engage in the cycle of action.

5-11

Practitioners of spiritual discipline, having abandoned attachment, act with the body, mind, intelligence, and even the senses only for the purpose of purification.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes how a practitioner of spiritual discipline performs his actions. A practitioner of spiritual discipline acts with the body, mind, intellect, and even the senses, but his actions are free from attachment. A practitioner of spiritual discipline does not consider his actions as a way to gain material benefits, but as a means to purify his soul by acting selflessly and dedicating his actions to God. • Renouncing attachment means that the practitioner of spiritual discipline does not expect any personal gain or reward for his actions. He performs them with the intention of spiritual purification and the cleansing of the soul from the consequences of action. • The body, mind, intellect, and senses are the instruments with which a person acts in the world. The practitioner of spiritual discipline uses them to perform selfless actions that help achieve the highest spiritual goal. This verse emphasizes that, despite the fact that the practitioner of spiritual discipline participates in worldly activities, his mind is not connected to material goals, and his actions serve only for internal purification. This verse teaches that even an active person can perform his daily activities using his body, mind, and senses, but with the aim of purifying the soul and progressing spiritually. This means that actions do not have to be for gaining material benefits, but for spiritual development and the purification of consciousness from egoism and attachment.

5-12

Those united with the Divine, faithful, renouncing the fruits of all actions, attain unshakable peace; on the contrary, a person who is not united with the Divine, who desires to enjoy the fruits of his actions, is bound.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains the difference between a practitioner of spiritual discipline and a person who is not connected to spiritual discipline. • A practitioner of spiritual discipline who renounces the fruits of actions (is not attached to the results of actions) attains peace that is constant and independent of external circumstances. This peace comes from spiritual stability and the understanding that a person's true nature is not connected to the worldly results of actions. • A person who is not connected to spiritual discipline, who acts driven by desires, constantly clings to the fruits of actions and their results, thereby becoming bound to worldly events and suffering from their influence. His desires and attachments create a bond of action that leads to anxiety and suffering. This verse emphasizes that selfless action and renunciation of the fruits of action is the path to spiritual peace, while desires and attachment to results cause a bond with action and inevitable suffering.

5-13

When the embodied being controls his nature and mentally renounces all actions, he happily dwells in the city of nine gates, neither acting nor causing to act.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes a state in which a person is completely detached from his actions. Such a person mentally renounces all actions, which means that he consciously understands that even if the body continues to act, he himself – the soul – is not connected to these actions. This awareness creates inner peace and happiness. • The city of nine gates symbolizes the body, which has nine openings (two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, mouth, anal and genital openings). The soul lives in this body, but the conscious person understands that he himself – the soul – is not the performer of these actions. • Mental renunciation of actions means that a person is not carried away by actions and does not identify himself with the body or its functions. He lives in the world but is not attached to the body's actions. Such a person, who has completely controlled himself and his senses, is able to live in peace and inner happiness, because he is aware that the body continues to function independently of the soul, and the soul is not tainted or bound by the body's actions.

5-14

The Lord of the embodied being creates neither actions nor the ability to act, nor the connection between actions and their fruits. All this is done by the qualities of material nature.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna points out that God or the Supreme Lord is not the one who imposes actions on people, gives them the power to act, or binds them to the fruits of action. It is not God's work to make a person act and determine his fate. • Actions and their consequences are related to a person's own nature. People act according to their natural being and tendencies, which stem from their inner character. This means that a person's actions and the results of actions are influenced by his internal state and inclinations. • The Lord is a neutral observer and does not give direct instructions on how a person should act or what actions to become attached to. It is the person himself who, with his free will and natural inclinations, chooses to act and faces the consequences. This verse emphasizes that a person's internal state (character, nature) is what shapes his actions and their consequences, not God or some external power. This means that people themselves are responsible for their actions, and their inner being determines their fate.

5-15

The All-Highest takes no responsibility for the sinful or pious actions of anyone. Ignorance deludes the embodied beings, concealing true knowledge.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna indicates that God does not hold people responsible for their sins or good deeds, that is, the Supreme Lord is neutral and does not interfere in people's actions. God does not accept either a person's sins or his good deeds. Everything that binds a person to action and its consequences is their own ignorance. • Ignorance obscures true knowledge about the nature of the soul and the Divine. A person who lacks knowledge about his true nature and the soul's unity with the Divine is deluded and becomes attached to the material world, thus performing actions that bind him to action. • Sins and good deeds are the results of a person's own actions, which arise from his state of consciousness and understanding. God is not the one who accepts or punishes for these actions, but rather the person himself is responsible for how he responds to life situations. This verse indicates that a person's ignorance is what deludes him and makes him become attached to worldly sins or good deeds. As soon as a person is freed from ignorance and gains true knowledge, he sees that the soul is unconnected to the actions of the material world.

5-16

But for those whose ignorance is destroyed by knowledge, this knowledge, like the sun, illuminates the supreme truth.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes how knowledge frees a person from the ignorance that obscures true reality. For those who have destroyed ignorance with the light of knowledge, the truth becomes clear and obvious, like the sun that dispels darkness and illuminates the world. • Ignorance is what obscures the true nature of the soul and makes a person cling to the material world. When this ignorance is destroyed, a person sees the truth. • Knowledge acts like the sun that dispels darkness. Knowledge not only reveals to a person his own true nature but also the supreme truth about the Divine, which was previously hidden due to ignorance.

5-17

When a person's intelligence, mind, faith, and refuge are completely directed towards the All-Highest, then, thanks to complete knowledge, he completely frees himself from worries and thus effortlessly walks the path of liberation.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains how people who have completely dedicated their lives to the Divine achieve liberation from the cycle of action and no longer return to material existence. • Those whose intelligence, mind, faith, and refuge are completely directed towards the All-Highest. This means that all their consciousness, thoughts, and actions are directed towards God, they completely trust God and seek refuge only in Him. • Thanks to complete knowledge, they free themselves from the worries that arise from material existence. They no longer have doubts or uncertainties because they have attained a true understanding of the meaning of life and their spiritual nature. • They easily walk the path of liberation because their mind and heart are free from material bonds. They have reached a state where there is no longer a need to return to the cycle of birth and death because they have completely freed themselves from the suffering and limitations caused by the material world.

5-18

The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and a dog-eater.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that wise and enlightened people see all beings with the same vision, not distinguishing them by their outward appearance, caste, social status, or type of animal. They are aware that the soul is the same in all beings, regardless of the body it inhabits. • A learned person and an outcaste who eats dogs are seen equally because their souls are equal in essence. • The same applies to animals—a cow, an elephant, or a dog. The enlightened person understands that all living entities are of the same spiritual essence, even though they are in different forms or conditions. This verse indicates that people who have true knowledge and humility are able to see everyone as equal and do not discriminate based on external factors. Their vision is based on the unity of the soul and the awareness of the spiritual level, not on material differences.

5-19

Those whose minds are established in equanimity and evenness have already conquered the conditions of birth and death. They are faultless, and therefore they are already situated in the Divine consciousness.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna points out that those whose minds are in balance and who see the world with a unified vision have already conquered the cycle of birth and death in this very life. Their minds are in constant union with the Divine consciousness, and therefore they have escaped the cycle of birth and death. • Divine consciousness is pure and flawless—it is without defects and equal in all, regardless of human or animal body or social status. Therefore, those who are aware of this unity are already in a state of Divine consciousness. This verse emphasizes that those who are spiritually enlightened and see unity in all beings have already been liberated from the cycle of birth and death and are constantly connected to the Divine consciousness.

5-20

A person who neither rejoices upon obtaining something pleasant nor laments upon obtaining something unpleasant, whose intelligence is steady, who is undeluded, and who knows the science of God, is already situated in transcendence.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains what kind of person has attained Divine consciousness. He lives with a balanced mind, unaffected by external situations—joy or sorrow, pleasant or unpleasant events. Such a person is free from dualism and attachment, is spiritually stable, and is not disturbed by the transient situations of life. • Neither rejoices nor laments—this person does not succumb to emotional fluctuations. He does not become attached to either positive or negative events because he understands that they are transient aspects of the material world. • Steady intelligence—his intelligence is unwavering. This means that he remains calm and balanced despite the changes happening around him. • Not deluded—such a person is not in illusion, he understands the true nature of the world and is free from delusions. • Knows the science of God—He is aware of the Divine as the all-pervading spiritual reality and is established in Divine consciousness, which means that he is constantly connected to the Divine consciousness.

5-21

Such a liberated person is not attracted to material sense pleasures but always remains in internal peace, enjoying bliss within himself. In this way, a self-realized person, united with the Divine, enjoys unlimited happiness because his consciousness is focused on the Divine.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that true happiness is not found in external worldly objects but in inner consciousness. A person who is unattached to external things finds true happiness within himself—in his soul and inner essence. • External objects—worldly objects that bring temporary joy or pleasure but are transient. They cannot provide lasting happiness. • Unattached soul—a person who is not attached to these external objects because he understands that they are temporary and impermanent. His mind is free from attachment, and therefore he finds happiness within himself. • Happiness within—true happiness is internal; it cannot be found in the external world but only in the understanding of one's true nature. A person who is connected to Divine consciousness through spiritual discipline is one who is aware of the Divine and lives in accordance with spiritual knowledge. He attains inexhaustible happiness that is independent of worldly pleasures and sorrows.

5-22

An intelligent person does not take part in the sources of misery, which arise from contact with the material senses. O son of Kunti, such pleasures have a beginning and an end, and therefore the wise do not find joy in them.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that sensual pleasures that arise from external objects are temporary and their nature is such that they always lead to suffering. This is because these pleasures have a beginning and an end, and they cannot bring lasting happiness. When such pleasures end, they cause disappointment and suffering. A wise person does not indulge in these pleasures because he understands their transient nature. Krishna addresses Arjuna as the son of Kunti to point out his nobility and responsibility.

5-23

If a person before leaving this body is able to tolerate the urges of the material senses and check the force of desire and anger, then he is well-situated and happy in this world.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that a practitioner of spiritual discipline (one who is connected to spiritual discipline) is able to overcome desires and anger, which are two of the strongest human emotional forces. Such overcoming is important for achieving inner peace and true happiness. • Desires and anger—These are the main types of emotions that can disrupt the balance of the mind and create unrest. Desires arise from material attachment, and anger stems from dissatisfaction when desires are not fulfilled. • Tolerate desires and anger—A person who is able to tolerate the influence of these strong emotional forces is one who has self-control and is able to remain balanced even during external disturbances. • Before the release of the body—This means that a person should achieve this state in this life, before death, so that he can experience spiritual freedom and happiness. • Endowed with spiritual discipline—One who is connected to spiritual discipline and is internally balanced is able to not succumb to desires and anger. Such a person is truly happy because his mind is free from disturbing emotions and attachments.

5-24

One whose happiness is within, who is active and rejoices within, and whose goal is focused on the inner world, is truly a mystic. He is liberated in the Supreme and ultimately attains the Supreme.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes the state of the highest practitioner of spiritual discipline—a person who is completely focused on his inner world and finds happiness, joy, and enlightenment within himself, not in external objects. Such a person has achieved liberation and merging with the Divine. It is the inner peace that leads to liberation from material bonds and union with Divine consciousness.

5-25

Those who are beyond the dualities that arise from doubt, whose minds are focused on the inner world, who are ever engaged in working for the welfare of all living beings, and who are free from all sins achieve liberation in the Supreme.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes how spiritually enlightened people (the wise or the sages) attain unity with Divine consciousness, which is complete liberation from material bonds. These people, who have purified themselves from sins, freed themselves from doubts, and act for the benefit of others, achieve unity with Divine consciousness—a state in which they are united with the Divine consciousness and liberated from the material world.

5-26

Those who are free from anger and all material desires, who are self-realized, self-disciplined, and constantly striving for perfection, are assured of attaining liberation in the Supreme in the very near future.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains how practitioners of spiritual discipline are able to achieve unity with Divine consciousness, or liberation from the material world, by attaining unity with Divine consciousness. These people have freed themselves from desires and anger—two of the most powerful obstacles on the spiritual path. They are self-realized, disciplined, and constantly striving for spiritual perfection. The liberation of such people in the Divine consciousness is very near because they have reached a high spiritual state that leads to complete liberation from material existence.

5-27

Shutting out all external sense objects, keeping the vision focused on the point between the eyebrows, suspending the inward and outward breaths within the nostrils, and thus controlling the mind, senses, and intelligence, the transcendentalist, striving for liberation, becomes free from desire, fear, and anger.

Explanation: This verse describes a meditation technique that helps to free oneself from the influence of external objects and to concentrate the mind. It emphasizes the need to shut out sense objects, focus the vision on the point between the eyebrows, control breathing, and also control the mind, senses, and intelligence. This practice helps the practitioner of spiritual discipline to become free from desires, fears, and anger, which are the main obstacles on the spiritual path.

5-28

One who is always in this state is truly liberated.

Explanation: This verse concludes the previous thought, confirming that a person who can constantly maintain such an internal state, disconnecting from external disturbances and controlling their mind and senses, truly achieves liberation from the limitations of the material world.

5-29

The wise man who knows Me as the supreme enjoyer of all sacrifices and austerities, as the Supreme Lord of all planets and celestial beings, and as the benefactor and friend of all living entities, becomes free from material sufferings and attains peace.

Explanation: This verse provides the key to wisdom for achieving inner peace and harmony. Krishna reveals that God is the true enjoyer of all rituals, austerities, and sacrifices, and the ruler of all worlds. One who understands this truth can attain spiritual peace. • Enjoyer of all sacrifices and austerities – Krishna explains that He is the one who accepts all sacrifices and austerities. Sacrifices and austerities performed for God are the ones that create spiritual purification and lead to peace. • Ruler of all worlds – Krishna indicates that He is the Supreme Lord to whom all worlds and all beings belong. He is the ruler of all life forms and the universe. • Benefactor of all living entities – Krishna not only rules over the world but is also a friend and benefactor of all beings. He cares for the well-being of all life forms and desires their spiritual development. One who is aware of Krishna's role as the Supreme Ruler and benefactor attains inner peace because he understands that everything depends on God and that God always acts for one's benefit.