Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 18 · Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 18.5 यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यं कार्यमेव तत्
श्लोक 18.5
यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यं कार्यमेव तत् ।
यज्ञो दानं तपश्चैव पावनानि मनीषिणाम् ॥
yajñadānatapaḥkarma na tyājyaṃ kāryameva tat |
yajño dānaṃ tapaścaiva pāvanāni manīṣiṇām ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
यज्ञ, दान और तप रूपी कर्म छोड़ने योग्य नहीं हैं, इन्हें अवश्य करना चाहिए। यज्ञ, दान और तप बुद्धिमानों को भी पवित्र करने वाले हैं।
Meaning in English
Acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity should not be given up; they must certainly be performed. Sacrifice, charity and austerity purify even the wise.
Bhagavad Gita 18.5 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यज्ञदानतपःकर्म | yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-karma | acts of sacrifice, giving and austerity |
| न | na | not |
| त्याज्यम् | tyājyam | to be given up |
| कार्यम् | kāryam | to be done |
| एव | eva | certainly |
| तत् | tat | that |
| यज्ञः | yajñaḥ | sacrifice |
| दानम् | dānam | giving |
| तपः | tapaḥ | austerity |
| च एव | ca eva | and also |
| पावनानि | pāvanāni | purifying |
| मनीषिणाम् | manīṣiṇām | for the wise |
Explanation
Krishna sides with those who would keep good works. Acts of sacrifice, giving and austerity should not be abandoned; they ought to be performed. Sacrifice, charity and self-discipline purify even the wise, so there is no reason to drop them in the name of renunciation.
This is Krishna's first clear ruling in the debate of 18.3. Shankara reads manīṣiṇām as those who act without desire for results, for whom these acts cleanse the mind and prepare it for knowledge. Ramanuja stresses that such works remain obligatory for everyone and are themselves a form of worship. Gandhi took yajna broadly as any work done for the good of others, so the verse for him affirms service as a lifelong discipline rather than a stage to outgrow.
भावार्थ
यज्ञ, दान और तप रूपी कर्म त्यागने योग्य नहीं हैं, इन्हें अवश्य करना चाहिए। यज्ञ, दान और तप बुद्धिमान लोगों को भी पवित्र करने वाले हैं।
Living it today
Generosity, worship and self-discipline are not just for beginners. Keep a small daily practice of each; they keep the mind clean.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 18.5?
Krishna sides with those who would keep good works. Acts of sacrifice, giving and austerity should not be abandoned; they ought to be performed. Sacrifice, charity and self-discipline purify even the wise, so there is no reason to drop them in the name of renunciation.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 18.5?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 18 (Moksha Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.5 in daily life?
Generosity, worship and self-discipline are not just for beginners. Keep a small daily practice of each; they keep the mind clean.
Reflected on verse 18.5?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.