Page 22 (1/2)

Chapter 5 - Art of Renunciation

This chapter of 29 slokas, known as kara, Renunciation of Action, is in response to Arjuna’s plea at the beginning of the chapter,

‘Pray be clear, as Thee aver

Act ’n give up in selfsame breath’

Lord Krishna sets the tone for self-help in this chapter with the opening statement,

‘Give up all ’n thou be freed

So’s the case with selfless work

But know latter scores much better’

S18 avers the Os and dog eaters This tasteless description could be but an interpolation as it is so ill behoves the Lord’s eloquence and sophistication of expression seen throughout Incidentally, the succeeding s19 s attains the Supreme State in life itself Itthe saic practices and s29, which asserts the Supreme as the beneficiary of sacrificial rituals, are but interpolation for reasons that bear no repetition

1

Thus spoke Arjuna:

Pray be clear, as Thee aver

Act ’n give up in selfsame breath

2

Thus spoke the Lord:

Give up all ’n thou be freed

So is the case with selfless work

But know latter scores much better

3

Wise neither want, nor they shun

That’s how they give up ever engaged

4

Way action ’n path learning

Know not ignorant not different

5

Work highway ’n lane freedoo if thee cease

Deeds selfless make acts forsake

7

Such one realized

Self-willed, dutiful

Within self reed

8