Bhagavad Gita · Bhakti Yoga — The Yoga of Devotion

Chapter 12, Verse 11

"Bhagavad Gita 12.11" — meaning and explanation.

Meaning

12.11 If thou art unable to do even this, then, resorting to union with Me, renounce the fruits of all actions with the self controlled.

।।12.11।। और यदि इसको भी करने के लिए तुम असमर्थ हो, तो आत्मसंयम से युक्त होकर मेरी प्राप्ति रूप योग का आश्रय लेकर, तुम समस्त कर्मों के फल का त्याग करो।।

Explanation

12.11 अथ if? एतत् this? अपि also? अशक्तः unable? असि (thou) art? कर्तुम् to do? मद्योगम् My Yoga? आश्रितः resorting to? सर्वकर्मफलत्यागम् the renunciation of the fruits of all actions? ततः then? कुरु do? यतात्मवान् selfcontrolled.Commentary This is the easiest path. If thou art unable to perform actions for My sake? if thou canst not even be intent on My service? if thou art unable to practise the Bhagavata Dharmas? if thous wishest to do actions impelled by personal desires? then do thou perform them (for your sake from a sense of duty) renouncing them all in Me and also abandon the fruits of all actions? at the same time practising selfcontrol.In verse 8 the Yoga of meditation is prescribed for advanced students in verse 9 the Yoga of constant practice if one finds that? too? to be difficult? the performance of actions for the sake of the Lord alone has been taught in verse 10 and those who cannot do even this are asked to abandon the fruits of all actions.Madyogam My Yoga. Surrendering all actions and their fruits to Me is My Yoga.Yatatmavan The man of discrimination who has controlled all the senses? who has withdrawn the senses from sound? touch? form? taste and smell.Now the Lord eulogises the renunciation of the fruits of all actions in order to encourage the aspirants to practise the Yoga of renunciation of the fruits of actions.

Life Lesson

Study Bhagavad Gita 12.11 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.

Context

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, verse 11, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.

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