Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 50

English Translation

Possessed of wisdom, one rejects here both virtue and vice. Therefore devote yourself to (Karma-) yoga. Yoga is skilfulness in action.

Detailed Commentary

**2.50** Explanation – "Buddhiyukto jahātīha ubhe sukṛtaduṣkṛt" – A person endowed with Samattva (equanimity) abandons both punya (merit) and papa (demerit) in this very life; that is, punya and papa do not adhere to him. Just as punya and papa occur in the world but do not affect Paramatma, similarly, they do not affect a person who is established in Samata (equanimity) (Gita 2.38). Samata is such a Vidya (discipline of knowledge) by which a person, while living in the world, can remain Nirlipta (unattached) to the world. Just as a lotus leaf, though in water, remains untouched by water, so too a Samatayukta (equanimous) person remains Nirlipta while living in the world. The touch of punya and papa does not affect him; he remains Asanga (unassociated/unaffected) by them. In reality, the Chetan-svarūpa (conscious-self) is inherently free from punya and papa. They attach themselves when a connection is formed with the body, etc. If this connection is not formed, it remains Nirlipta like the sky, and punya and papa do not affect it. "Tasmādyogāya yujyasva" – Therefore, be established in Yoga, meaning, be continuously established in Samata. In truth, Samata is your very Svarūpa (essence/nature). Due to Rāga-dveṣa (attachment and aversion), you are unable to experience this Samata. If you were not in Samata, how would you experience Sukha-duḥkha (joy and sorrow)? Even after experiencing both, remain Samarup (equanimous). Experience this very Samata. "Yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam" – Yoga is skill in actions. This means, remaining Sam (equanimous) in the success or failure of actions, and in the gain or non-gain of their fruits, is true skill. In the Utpatti-vināshashīla (ephemeral and perishable) actions, nothing is more important than Yoga. In these verses, the Lord has described the Mahima (glory) of Yoga. If it were to be interpreted as "skill in actions is Yoga," it would be incorrect. In actions performed skillfully, a person would become bound by the fruits, which would disturb Samata. Therefore, the meaning "Yoga is skill in actions" is appropriate here. This is because a person established in Samata is not bound by actions or their fruits. Hence, remaining Sam in Utpatti-vināshashīla actions is the real skill and wisdom. Secondly, the context (prasanga) of Yoga (Samata) has been present in the preceding verses and also in the first part of this verse. Therefore, the meaning "Yoga is skill in actions" is consistent with the context. Connection – Now, to substantiate the previous verse, the Lord will present an example in the next verse.