एषा तेऽभिहिता सांख्ये बुद्धिर्योगे त्विमां शृणु ।
बुद्ध्या युक्तो यया पार्थ कर्मबन्धं प्रहास्यसि ॥ ३९ ॥
eṣhā te ’bhihitā sānkhye buddhir yoge tvimāṁ śhṛiṇu
buddhyā yukto yayā pārtha karma-bandhaṁ prahāsyasi
हे पार्थ! मैंने तुम्हें अभी सांख्य योग का ज्ञान दिया है। अब इसे बुद्धि योग के दृष्टिकोण से समझो। जब तुम इस ज्ञान के साथ कार्य करोगे, तो यह तुम्हें तुम्हारे कर्मों के बंधन से मुक्त कर देगा।
O Partha! I have thus described knowledge of Sankhya Yoga. Now, listen to it from the perspective of Buddhi Yoga. When you work with this wisdom, it will liberate you from the bondage of actions.
Verse 2.39 marks a significant transition in Krishna's discourse with Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. After explaining the immortality of the soul and the temporary nature of the body through analytical knowledge (Sankhya), Krishna now shifts to introduce a more practical approach—Buddhi Yoga or the Yoga of Intelligence. This verse serves as a bridge between theoretical understanding and practical application in spiritual life.
In this verse, Krishna addresses Arjuna as "Partha" (son of Pritha), saying that He has now completed His explanation of the Sankhya philosophy—the analytical knowledge that helps distinguish between the eternal soul and the temporary body. Krishna then invites Arjuna to listen carefully to the wisdom concerning Yoga, which refers to the practical application of this knowledge in daily actions. The verse indicates that Krishna recognizes that theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient without proper implementation.
The essence of this verse lies in Krishna's introduction of "karma-bandham prahasyasi"—the concept that with proper understanding and application of Buddhi Yoga, Arjuna can free himself from the bondage of karma or the reactions of his actions. This is crucial because Arjuna was concerned about the sinful reactions he might incur from fighting in the war. Krishna reassures him that there is a way to perform his duties without accumulating karma.
Buddhi Yoga, as introduced here, is not merely about performing work but about the transcendental quality of that work. It refers to engaging in activities with the right motivation and consciousness, understanding that we are spiritual beings temporarily inhabiting material bodies. When actions are performed with this understanding, they don't create bondage. This verse introduces the concept of Nishkama Karma Yoga—selfless action performed without attachment to results.
Interestingly, the word "yoga" appears twice in this verse, emphasizing its importance. While many associate yoga primarily with physical postures, the Bhagavad Gita presents yoga as a much broader concept—it is the art of connecting with the divine through one's actions. Krishna is explaining that the same knowledge that helps one understand the difference between body and soul (Sankhya) can also guide one's actions in the world (Yoga).
The verse highlights that actions themselves are not binding, as they are insentient. Rather, it is our attachment to these actions and their results that creates bondage. Through Buddhi Yoga, one can develop the intelligence to perform necessary duties without becoming entangled in their consequences. Krishna is not advocating for Arjuna to renounce his responsibilities but rather to fulfill them with proper knowledge and detachment.
This verse lays the groundwork for Krishna's further explanations on how Arjuna can perform his duty as a warrior without incurring sin. It emphasizes that knowledge must be applied to be truly valuable. Just as gold must be refined through fire to reveal its true worth, spiritual knowledge must be applied in daily life to manifest its transformative power. Krishna is preparing Arjuna for this practical application, which will enable him to face his challenges with clarity and determination, free from the bondage of karmic reactions.
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