Verse 5.2

Verse 5.2: The Exalted one spake: “Renunciation (of actions) and (even-tempered) application to actions do both make for the Highest Good. But out of these twain, as compared with Renunciation of actions, Application to actions is specially preferred.” (15)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

He (the Lord) said, “O Son of Kunti, when considered properly both the renunciation of actions and the even-tempered application to actions make for emancipation. Yet, for both the learned and the ignorant, application to actions is indeed clear and easy. A boat is useful for ferrying women and children across a stream. In the same way, weighing the pros and cons, application to actions is easy for all alike. For application to actions easily secures for them the fruit of the path of renunciation of action too. I shall now speak to you of the marks of one renouncing actions to make you understand this, so that you can easily see that both the renunciation of actions and even-tempered application to actions are indistinguishable in essence.