Karma-yoga — Action in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness

Theme and purpose

Karma-yoga – Action in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness: Kṛṣṇa says they both are equal but karma-yoga is easier. Niṣkāma-karma-yoga frees one from bondage. One can attain liberation by focusing on the Supreme. Aṣṭāṅga-yoga and bhakti-yoga give liberation.

How this chapter connects

Sections and key teachings

1. 5.1 Arjuna’s question – ‘Sannyāsa or Karma-yoga?’
2. 5.2–6 Karma-yoga is equal to, but easier than Sannyāsa
3. 5.7–16 Performing Niṣkāma-karma-yoga that frees one from bondage
   2 subsections

   • 5.7–12 Characteristics of a Yoga-yukta – never entangled; self controlled; doer not non-doer; works for the Supreme with detachment, seeking purification → attains peace.
   • 5.13–16 Knowledge of the three doers – the soul, the material nature and the Lord; Ignorance bewilders the soul while knowledge enlightens.
4. 5.17–29 Liberation by focusing on the Supreme
   3 subsections

   • 5.25–26 How to attain liberation
   • 5.27–28 Liberation through Aṣṭāṅga-yoga – a preview
   • 5.29 The peace formula – Knowing Kṛṣṇa (Bhakti-yoga)

All verses

5.1

• 5.1

5.2–6

• 5.2
• 5.3
• 5.4
• 5.5
• 5.6

5.7–16

• 5.7
• 5.8–9
• 5.10
• 5.11
• 5.12
• 5.13
• 5.14
• 5.15
• 5.16

5.17–29

• 5.17
• 5.18
• 5.19
• 5.20
• 5.21
• 5.22
• 5.23
• 5.24
• 5.25
• 5.26
• 5.27–28
• 5.29