NISKAMA-KARMA-YOGA – EASIER THAN RENOUNCING WORK(5.1 – 5.6)

(Only a few concepts are enlisted below from the purports. Most of the points are covered in the Summarized Theme 5A table below)

(a) How Sankhya and Karma-yoga / Devotional Service are the same – Because the common aim is “Vishnu” (5.4 purport)

(b) Who sees things as they are – One who sees Sankhya (analytical study) and devotional service on the same level in terms of aim (5.5)

Soul of material world—Vishnu / Devotional service entails service to the Supersoul
Analogy: One is to find the root of tree (Sankhya), other is to water the root (Devotional Service).

(d) Real purpose of philosophical research is to find the ‘Ultimate Goal of Life’, which is ‘selfrealization’. This proves there is no difference between the conclusion of the two processes (5.5)

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 5.5 & 5.6: It is important to understand that Krishna is not speaking about a variety of paths leading to a variety of inferior or superior destinations. Rather, He is describing two aspects of a path—one easy and one difficult—with the same goal. (These verses are applicable to
anyone trying to attain Brahman, Paramatma or Bhagavan realization, but Srila Prabhupada translated yoga as “devotional service” to highlight Krishna’s actual desire and purpose.)

If we renounce activities before our hearts are clean, we will be forced by our unclean hearts to engage in improper activities. The senses will demand engagement, but the jnana-yoga process forbids sense activity.
Unless the senses are engaged in good work, it will be difficult to stop improper work. Krishna therefore recommends keeping the senses always engaged, while simultaneously purifying the heart by working with detachment. This is the more practical and, therefore, superior path. The comparison between the two paths
continues in the following verse.

Text 5.6

THEME : Dry Renunciation (Jnana-marg) is too difficult and distressful

Karma-yoga is better because
⇒ Process is easier
⇒ Result quickly gives liberation

PLEASE NOTE: Points from purport of Text 5.6 and some points of purports of Texts 5.2 – 5.5 are mentioned in the table below.

SUMMARISED THEME 5A

CONCLUSION: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RENUNCIATION AND WORK IN DEVOTION
Verse	Renunciation / Mayavadi sannyasis	Work in devotion/ Vaisnava sannyasis
3.3	Needs prior purification by prescribed duties	Process itself purifies
5.2	Simply Jnana insufficient for liberation	Action is must – Must act in status of soul
5.2	Risk of fall down	Success guaranteed – Entrance into God’s Kingdom
5.2	Incomplete renunciation	Complete renunciation / To use everything for Krishna
5.4	Find the root, Vishnu	Water the root
5.5	Process is to detach from matter	Become attached to Krishna
5.6	No happiness	Brings happiness
5.6	Senses restricted, cannot relish transcendental devotional service	Senses engaged, perform multiple devotional activities
5.6	Take many births	Quickly achieves Supreme Personality of Godhead
5.6	Study Sankhya philosophy	Study Srimad Bhagavatam
5.6	Sariraka bhasya on Vedanta Sutra by Adi Sankaracarya	Study Srimad Bhagavatam, natural commentary on Vedanta Sutra
5.6	May fall down to philanthropic and altruistic activities	Have multiple engagements in devotional service, according to Pancharatriki regulations

(a) Krishna Conscious person is a true sannyasi – How?

He has perfect transcendental knowledge i.e. soul and Krishna are one in quality but different in quantity
⇒ Incorrect transcendental knowledge – oneness in quantity with Krishna, because a part can never be equal to whole
Result of perfect knowledge – one becomes full in himself
Full in himself – implies no desire/hatred/lamentation for the results of action
No duality in mind – because whatever he does is for Krishna
Thus liberated even in material world.

Text 5.4 – 5.5

COMMON THEME : Karma-yoga and Sannyasa are same, because both lead to spiritual realization and have same conclusion.

Learnings from Purport (5.4 – 5.5)

(Only a few concepts are enlisted below from the purports. Most of the points are covered in the Summarized Theme 5A table below)

(a) How Sankhya and Karma-yoga / Devotional Service are the same – Because the common aim is “Vishnu” (5.4 purport)

(b) Who sees things as they are – One who sees Sankhya (analytical study) and devotional service on the same level in terms of aim (5.5)

Soul of material world—Vishnu / Devotional service entails service to the Supersoul
Analogy: One is to find the root of tree (Sankhya), other is to water the root (Devotional Service).

Text 5.6

THEME : Dry Renunciation (Jnana-marg) is too difficult and distressful

Karma-yoga is better because
⇒ Process is easier
⇒ Result quickly gives liberation

PLEASE NOTE: Points from purport of Text 5.6 and some points of purports of Texts 5.2 – 5.5 are mentioned in the table below.

SUMMARISED THEME 5A

CONCLUSION: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RENUNCIATION AND WORK IN DEVOTION
Verse	Renunciation / Mayavadi sannyasis	Work in devotion/ Vaisnava sannyasis
3.3	Needs prior purification by prescribed duties	Process itself purifies
5.2	Simply Jnana insufficient for liberation	Action is must – Must act in status of soul
5.2	Risk of fall down	Success guaranteed – Entrance into God’s Kingdom
5.2	Incomplete renunciation	Complete renunciation / To use everything for Krishna
5.4	Find the root, Vishnu	Water the root
5.5	Process is to detach from matter	Become attached to Krishna
5.6	No happiness	Brings happiness
5.6	Senses restricted, cannot relish transcendental devotional service	Senses engaged, perform multiple devotional activities
5.6	Take many births	Quickly achieves Supreme Personality of Godhead
5.6	Study Sankhya philosophy	Study Srimad Bhagavatam
5.6	Sariraka bhasya on Vedanta Sutra by Adi Sankaracarya	Study Srimad Bhagavatam, natural commentary on Vedanta Sutra
5.6	May fall down to philanthropic and altruistic activities	Have multiple engagements in devotional service, according to Pancharatriki regulations

(a) Krishna Conscious person is a true sannyasi – How?

He has perfect transcendental knowledge i.e. soul and Krishna are one in quality but different in quantity
⇒ Incorrect transcendental knowledge – oneness in quantity with Krishna, because a part can never be equal to whole
Result of perfect knowledge – one becomes full in himself
Full in himself – implies no desire/hatred/lamentation for the results of action
No duality in mind – because whatever he does is for Krishna
Thus liberated even in material world.

Text 5.4 – 5.5

COMMON THEME : Karma-yoga and Sannyasa are same, because both lead to spiritual realization and have same conclusion.

Learnings from Purport (5.4 – 5.5)

(Only a few concepts are enlisted below from the purports. Most of the points are covered in the Summarized Theme 5A table below)

(a) How Sankhya and Karma-yoga / Devotional Service are the same – Because the common aim is “Vishnu” (5.4 purport)

(b) Who sees things as they are – One who sees Sankhya (analytical study) and devotional service on the same level in terms of aim (5.5)

Soul of material world—Vishnu / Devotional service entails service to the Supersoul
Analogy: One is to find the root of tree (Sankhya), other is to water the root (Devotional Service).

Text 5.6

THEME : Dry Renunciation (Jnana-marg) is too difficult and distressful

Karma-yoga is better because
⇒ Process is easier
⇒ Result quickly gives liberation

PLEASE NOTE: Points from purport of Text 5.6 and some points of purports of Texts 5.2 – 5.5 are mentioned in the table below.

SUMMARISED THEME 5A

CONCLUSION: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RENUNCIATION AND WORK IN DEVOTION
Verse	Renunciation / Mayavadi sannyasis	Work in devotion/ Vaisnava sannyasis
3.3	Needs prior purification by prescribed duties	Process itself purifies
5.2	Simply Jnana insufficient for liberation	Action is must – Must act in status of soul
5.2	Risk of fall down	Success guaranteed – Entrance into God’s Kingdom
5.2	Incomplete renunciation	Complete renunciation / To use everything for Krishna
5.4	Find the root, Vishnu	Water the root
5.5	Process is to detach from matter	Become attached to Krishna
5.6	No happiness	Brings happiness
5.6	Senses restricted, cannot relish transcendental devotional service	Senses engaged, perform multiple devotional activities
5.6	Take many births	Quickly achieves Supreme Personality of Godhead
5.6	Study Sankhya philosophy	Study Srimad Bhagavatam
5.6	Sariraka bhasya on Vedanta Sutra by Adi Sankaracarya	Study Srimad Bhagavatam, natural commentary on Vedanta Sutra
5.6	May fall down to philanthropic and altruistic activities	Have multiple engagements in devotional service, according to Pancharatriki regulations

(a) Path of action: Krishna conscious action vs Fruitive action – Devotional Service / Action in Krishna Consciousness is the only way to get rid of material bondage (Ref. SB 5.5.4-6)

On the other hand fruitive action creates bondage
⇒ To act for sense gratification – not good because fruitive acts cause material bondage and transmigration; each body is temporary and miserable.
⇒ Failure of life – if no inquiry about real identity
⇒ Suggestion to “get out” of bondage – Develop love for Devotional service to Vasudeva

(b) Path of renouncing all action: Process of Jnana (of spiritual identity) / dry renunciation

One may think that action causes bondage, therefore we should renounce action altogether
⇒ but one should know that Jnana (of spiritual identity) or dry renunciation is not sufficient for liberation from bondage,
⇒ but one must act on the level of status of spirit soul
Action in Krishna Consciousness is different from action on fruitive platform
⇒ Action in full knowledge strengthens one’s advancement in real knowledge
⇒ Mere renunciation of fruitive action without Krishna Consciousness does not purify the heart.

Incomplete Renunciation (Phalgu-vairagya) — to renounce things related to Supreme Personality of Godhead thinking them material, with desire for liberation.
Complete renunciation (Yukta-vairagya) — implies to know
⇒ Everything belongs to the Lord
⇒ Use everything in His service
⇒ Do not claim proprietorship

Text 5.3

THEME : One who works in devotion is a true sannyasi and easily achieves liberation

Definition of true sannyasi – neither hates nor desires fruits and is free from all dualities.

Learnings from Purport 5.3

(a) Krishna Conscious person is a true sannyasi – How?

He has perfect transcendental knowledge i.e. soul and Krishna are one in quality but different in quantity
⇒ Incorrect transcendental knowledge – oneness in quantity with Krishna, because a part can never be equal to whole
Result of perfect knowledge – one becomes full in himself
Full in himself – implies no desire/hatred/lamentation for the results of action
No duality in mind – because whatever he does is for Krishna
Thus liberated even in material world.

Text 5.4 – 5.5

COMMON THEME : Karma-yoga and Sannyasa are same, because both lead to spiritual realization and have same conclusion.

Learnings from Purport (5.4 – 5.5)

(Only a few concepts are enlisted below from the purports. Most of the points are covered in the Summarized Theme 5A table below)

(a) How Sankhya and Karma-yoga / Devotional Service are the same – Because the common aim is “Vishnu” (5.4 purport)

(b) Who sees things as they are – One who sees Sankhya (analytical study) and devotional service on the same level in terms of aim (5.5)

Soul of material world—Vishnu / Devotional service entails service to the Supersoul
Analogy: One is to find the root of tree (Sankhya), other is to water the root (Devotional Service).

Text 5.6

THEME : Dry Renunciation (Jnana-marg) is too difficult and distressful

Karma-yoga is better because
⇒ Process is easier
⇒ Result quickly gives liberation

PLEASE NOTE: Points from purport of Text 5.6 and some points of purports of Texts 5.2 – 5.5 are mentioned in the table below.

SUMMARISED THEME 5A

CONCLUSION: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RENUNCIATION AND WORK IN DEVOTION
Verse	Renunciation / Mayavadi sannyasis	Work in devotion/ Vaisnava sannyasis
3.3	Needs prior purification by prescribed duties	Process itself purifies
5.2	Simply Jnana insufficient for liberation	Action is must – Must act in status of soul
5.2	Risk of fall down	Success guaranteed – Entrance into God’s Kingdom
5.2	Incomplete renunciation	Complete renunciation / To use everything for Krishna
5.4	Find the root, Vishnu	Water the root
5.5	Process is to detach from matter	Become attached to Krishna
5.6	No happiness	Brings happiness
5.6	Senses restricted, cannot relish transcendental devotional service	Senses engaged, perform multiple devotional activities
5.6	Take many births	Quickly achieves Supreme Personality of Godhead
5.6	Study Sankhya philosophy	Study Srimad Bhagavatam
5.6	Sariraka bhasya on Vedanta Sutra by Adi Sankaracarya	Study Srimad Bhagavatam, natural commentary on Vedanta Sutra
5.6	May fall down to philanthropic and altruistic activities	Have multiple engagements in devotional service, according to Pancharatriki regulations

(a) Path of action: Krishna conscious action vs Fruitive action – Devotional Service / Action in Krishna Consciousness is the only way to get rid of material bondage (Ref. SB 5.5.4-6)

On the other hand fruitive action creates bondage
⇒ To act for sense gratification – not good because fruitive acts cause material bondage and transmigration; each body is temporary and miserable.
⇒ Failure of life – if no inquiry about real identity
⇒ Suggestion to “get out” of bondage – Develop love for Devotional service to Vasudeva

(b) Path of renouncing all action: Process of Jnana (of spiritual identity) / dry renunciation

One may think that action causes bondage, therefore we should renounce action altogether
⇒ but one should know that Jnana (of spiritual identity) or dry renunciation is not sufficient for liberation from bondage,
⇒ but one must act on the level of status of spirit soul
Action in Krishna Consciousness is different from action on fruitive platform
⇒ Action in full knowledge strengthens one’s advancement in real knowledge
⇒ Mere renunciation of fruitive action without Krishna Consciousness does not purify the heart.

Incomplete Renunciation (Phalgu-vairagya) — to renounce things related to Supreme Personality of Godhead thinking them material, with desire for liberation.
Complete renunciation (Yukta-vairagya) — implies to know
⇒ Everything belongs to the Lord
⇒ Use everything in His service
⇒ Do not claim proprietorship

Text 5.3

THEME : One who works in devotion is a true sannyasi and easily achieves liberation

Definition of true sannyasi – neither hates nor desires fruits and is free from all dualities.

Learnings from Purport 5.3

(a) Krishna Conscious person is a true sannyasi – How?

He has perfect transcendental knowledge i.e. soul and Krishna are one in quality but different in quantity
⇒ Incorrect transcendental knowledge – oneness in quantity with Krishna, because a part can never be equal to whole
Result of perfect knowledge – one becomes full in himself
Full in himself – implies no desire/hatred/lamentation for the results of action
No duality in mind – because whatever he does is for Krishna
Thus liberated even in material world.

Text 5.4 – 5.5

COMMON THEME : Karma-yoga and Sannyasa are same, because both lead to spiritual realization and have same conclusion.

Learnings from Purport (5.4 – 5.5)

(Only a few concepts are enlisted below from the purports. Most of the points are covered in the Summarized Theme 5A table below)

(a) How Sankhya and Karma-yoga / Devotional Service are the same – Because the common aim is “Vishnu” (5.4 purport)

(b) Who sees things as they are – One who sees Sankhya (analytical study) and devotional service on the same level in terms of aim (5.5)

Soul of material world—Vishnu / Devotional service entails service to the Supersoul
Analogy: One is to find the root of tree (Sankhya), other is to water the root (Devotional Service).

Text 5.6

THEME : Dry Renunciation (Jnana-marg) is too difficult and distressful

Karma-yoga is better because
⇒ Process is easier
⇒ Result quickly gives liberation

PLEASE NOTE: Points from purport of Text 5.6 and some points of purports of Texts 5.2 – 5.5 are mentioned in the table below.

SUMMARISED THEME 5A

CONCLUSION: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RENUNCIATION AND WORK IN DEVOTION
Verse	Renunciation / Mayavadi sannyasis	Work in devotion/ Vaisnava sannyasis
3.3	Needs prior purification by prescribed duties	Process itself purifies
5.2	Simply Jnana insufficient for liberation	Action is must – Must act in status of soul
5.2	Risk of fall down	Success guaranteed – Entrance into God’s Kingdom
5.2	Incomplete renunciation	Complete renunciation / To use everything for Krishna
5.4	Find the root, Vishnu	Water the root
5.5	Process is to detach from matter	Become attached to Krishna
5.6	No happiness	Brings happiness
5.6	Senses restricted, cannot relish transcendental devotional service	Senses engaged, perform multiple devotional activities
5.6	Take many births	Quickly achieves Supreme Personality of Godhead
5.6	Study Sankhya philosophy	Study Srimad Bhagavatam
5.6	Sariraka bhasya on Vedanta Sutra by Adi Sankaracarya	Study Srimad Bhagavatam, natural commentary on Vedanta Sutra
5.6	May fall down to philanthropic and altruistic activities	Have multiple engagements in devotional service, according to Pancharatriki regulations