Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 2 · Sankhya Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 2.49 दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय

Sri Krishna Chapter 2, Verse 49 With word-by-word notes

श्लोक 2.49

दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय ।
बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणाः फलहेतवः ॥

dūreṇa hyavaraṃ karma buddhiyogāddhanañjaya |
buddhau śaraṇamanviccha kṛpaṇāḥ phalahetavaḥ ||

हिन्दी अर्थ

हे धनञ्जय, बुद्धियोग की तुलना में फल की इच्छा से किया गया कर्म बहुत तुच्छ है। इसलिए समबुद्धि की शरण लो। फल के लिए कर्म करने वाले दीन होते हैं।

Meaning in English

Action done for its results is far inferior to action guided by the yoga of understanding, Dhananjaya. Take refuge in this understanding; those who work only for results are pitiable.

Bhagavad Gita 2.49 — word by word

WordTransliterationMeaning
दूरेण हिdūreṇa hifar indeed
अवरम् कर्मavaram karmainferior is (selfish) action
बुद्धि-योगात्buddhi-yogātto the yoga of understanding
धनञ्जयdhanañjayaO Dhananjaya
बुद्धौ शरणम्buddhau śaraṇamrefuge in understanding
अन्विच्छanvicchaseek
कृपणाःkṛpaṇāḥpitiable
फल-हेतवःphala-hetavaḥthose motivated by results

Explanation

Action done for its fruit is far inferior to the yoga of understanding, O Dhananjaya. Take refuge in that understanding; pitiable are those who act only for results.

Krishna does not condemn action but the motive. To work only for reward makes us small and anxious; to work with wisdom frees us.

भावार्थ

हे धनञ्जय, बुद्धियोग की तुलना में फल की इच्छा से किया गया कर्म बहुत निम्न है। तुम बुद्धि (समत्व) की शरण लो; फल की कामना करने वाले दीन हैं।

Living it today

Do a task today purely because it is right or useful, not for praise or payment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 2.49?

Action done for its fruit is far inferior to the yoga of understanding, O Dhananjaya. Take refuge in that understanding; pitiable are those who act only for results.

Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 2.49?

Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 2 (Sankhya Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.

How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 2.49 in daily life?

Do a task today purely because it is right or useful, not for praise or payment.

Reflected on verse 2.49?

Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.