Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 5 · Karma Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 5.3 ज्ञेयः स नित्यसंन्यासी यो न द्वेष्टि न
श्लोक 5.3
ज्ञेयः स नित्यसंन्यासी यो न द्वेष्टि न काङ्क्षति ।
निर्द्वन्द्वो हि महाबाहो सुखं बन्धात्प्रमुच्यते ॥
jñeyaḥ sa nityasaṃnyāsī yo na dveṣṭi na kāṅkṣati |
nirdvandvo hi mahābāho sukhaṃ bandhātpramucyate ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
हे महाबाहो! जो न किसी से द्वेष करता है और न कोई इच्छा रखता है, उसे सदा संन्यासी ही समझना चाहिए। द्वंद्वों से रहित ऐसा मनुष्य सहज ही बंधन से छूट जाता है।
Meaning in English
One who neither hates nor desires should be known as a constant renunciate. Free from the pairs of opposites, O mighty-armed one (Arjuna), such a person is easily released from bondage.
Bhagavad Gita 5.3 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ज्ञेयः | jñeyaḥ | should be known |
| सः | saḥ | he |
| नित्यसंन्यासी | nitya-saṃnyāsī | a constant renunciate |
| यः | yaḥ | who |
| न द्वेष्टि | na dveṣṭi | does not hate |
| न काङ्क्षति | na kāṅkṣati | does not crave |
| निर्द्वन्द्वः | nirdvandvaḥ | free from the pairs of opposites |
| हि | hi | indeed |
| महाबाहो | mahābāho | O mighty-armed |
| सुखम् | sukham | easily |
| बन्धात् | bandhāt | from bondage |
| प्रमुच्यते | pramucyate | is set free |
Explanation
The one who neither hates nor craves should be known as a true renunciate at all times, even while acting. Free from the pull of opposites like pleasure and pain, gain and loss, such a person is easily released from bondage, O mighty-armed Arjuna.
Krishna redefines renunciation: it is an inner state, not an outer robe. A householder who has dropped aversion and craving is a sannyasi in the real sense. Shankara accepts this as praise of karma yoga, while still holding that formal renunciation is the final step for the knower. Ramanuja stresses that this inner freedom makes karma yoga complete in itself. Gandhi often drew on this idea, describing the ideal worker as one who renounces the fruit while remaining fully engaged.
भावार्थ
हे महाबाहो, जो न किसी से द्वेष करता है और न किसी वस्तु की कामना करता है, उसे सदा संन्यासी ही समझना चाहिए; क्योंकि राग-द्वेष आदि द्वन्द्वों से रहित पुरुष सहज ही बन्धन से छूट जाता है।
Living it today
Notice what you resent and what you crave today; loosening either one is real renunciation, no matter what you wear or where you live.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 5.3?
The one who neither hates nor craves should be known as a true renunciate at all times, even while acting. Free from the pull of opposites like pleasure and pain, gain and loss, such a person is easily released from bondage, O mighty-armed Arjuna.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 5.3?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 5 (Karma Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 5.3 in daily life?
Notice what you resent and what you crave today; loosening either one is real renunciation, no matter what you wear or where you live.
Reflected on verse 5.3?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.