A declaration · reflective in mood · a little context helps
“Clear discernment is richer than reward-chasing.”
Action driven by craving is far below the steadiness of clear discernment. Seek refuge in clear discernment, for those who chase results are pitiable.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Tap a word to focus on it.
Read literallyfar · indeed · inferior · action · to the yoga of discernment · O Dhananjaya · in discernment · refuge · seek · pitiable ones · those who are motivated by results
Action done for rewards is lower than action guided by clear discernment. Krishna tells Arjuna to rely on that steadiness instead of craving outcomes.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Sankhya Yoga" (The Yoga of Knowledge).
Verse 49 sits in Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita — Sankhya Yoga, "The Yoga of Knowledge". The chapter has 72 verses in total.
A salesman takes every client call thinking of his commission, and his pitch grows anxious and pushy. When he thinks about what the customer needs, his judgment comes back.
Did you like this verse?
Action done for the payoff, Krishna says, ranks far below action guided by clear discernment.
What this verse means
Action done for rewards is lower than action guided by clear discernment. Krishna tells Arjuna to rely on that steadiness instead of craving outcomes.
Context & commentary
Krishna sharpens the teaching: action ruled by reward is inferior to action guided by steady discernment, and the wise refuge is the clear mind.
What it looks like today
A salesman takes every client call thinking of his commission, and his pitch grows anxious and pushy. When he thinks about what the customer needs, his judgment comes back.
“You can stop measuring your worth by what you get back.”
Explore related themes: sattva (26 verses), clarity (10 verses)