सन्न्यासस्तु महाबाहो दुःखं प्राप्तुं योगतः। योगयुक्तो मुनिर्ब्रह्म न चिरेणाधिगच्छति।।5.6।।
sannyasaḥ tu mahābāho duḥkham āptum ayogataḥ; yoga‑yuktaḥ muniḥ brahma na ciraṇādhigacchati
Translation
Renunciation, O mighty‑armed one, is difficult to obtain without devotion; but the sage who is united with yoga quickly attains the Supreme.
Word Meanings
sannyāsaḥ — the renounced order of life; tu — but; mahā‑bāho — O mighty‑armed one; duḥkham — distress; āptum — to attain; ayogataḥ — without devotional service; yoga‑yuktaḥ — one engaged in devotional service; muniḥ — a sage; brahma — the Supreme; na cira‑ṇādhigacchati — does not attain quickly
Understanding the Verse
In this verse of the fifth chapter, Lord Krishna clarifies the relationship between the two principal paths of spiritual life – the path of renunciation (sannyāsa) and the path of disciplined action performed with devotion (yoga). The term sannyāsa literally means ‘complete relinquishment of worldly duties’. Yet Krishna points out that merely abandoning external activities does not guarantee freedom from sorrow (duḥkha). Without the inner fire of devotion (ayoga), a renouncer may still be trapped in ignorance and suffering.
The epithet mahā‑bāho addresses Arjuna, praising his strength and valor. Krishna reminds him that even a warrior of great prowess cannot escape the need for a spiritual discipline that unites the heart with the Divine. The phrase duḥkham āptum signifies that the ultimate aim is the alleviation of distress, which can be achieved only when the mind is firmly attached to God.
The second half of the verse shifts focus to the practitioner of yoga – yogayuktaḥ. Here yoga does not merely denote physical postures but the broader principle of selfless, disciplined action performed as an offering to the Supreme. The ‘sage’ (muni) who has mastered this principle is described as already merged with Brahman (the Supreme Reality). Because his actions are imbued with devotion, he “does not attain [the Supreme] after a long delay” (na cira‑ṇādhigacchati). In other words, the fruition of spiritual realization is swift for one who integrates work with worship.
Krishna’s teaching underscores a central Gītic theme: the external form of renunciation is inferior to the inner state of yoga. True liberation (moksha) is not achieved by mere abandonment but by transforming every activity into a means of communion with God. This verse thus serves as a practical guide for house‑holders and warriors alike, encouraging them to perform their duties with a spirit of surrender rather than to flee from responsibility.
The verse also addresses a common misconception in the Vedic tradition that the two paths are mutually exclusive. By stating that a yogic sage quickly reaches Brahman, Krishna affirms that the path of action‑based devotion is a more efficient vehicle for spiritual ascent. The message to Arjuna – and to all seekers – is clear: cultivate yoga within the framework of daily life, and the ultimate goal of peace and union with the Divine will be achieved without the prolonged suffering that accompanies a hollow renunciation.
