Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam (Bhagavad Gita 2.50)
योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्
Also known as: yogah karmasu kaushalam · buddhi yukto jahatiha · bhagavad gita 2.50
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✦ Meaning
Bhagavad Gita 2.50 declares the famous maxim 'Yogah karmasu kaushalam' — yoga is skill in action. Krishna teaches that one whose mind is steady in wisdom rises above the bondage of both good and bad deeds in this very life, and so urges Arjuna to take up yoga. True skill in action lies in working with an even, detached mind.
Origin & Story
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 50 · Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching) · Itihasa (Mahabharata)
In the Sankhya Yoga, the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna continues his teaching of selfless action to the despondent Arjuna. Having spoken of acting without attachment to results, he here gives the famous definition that yoga is skill in action, and teaches that one of steady wisdom rises beyond the bondage of both virtue and vice in this very life.
✦ As told in scripture
It is held that one who masters this teaching transforms all work into worship — performing every action skillfully yet untouched by its merit or demerit, and so, even while fully engaged in the world, walks free of karmic bondage in this very life.
The Mantra
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बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते। तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्॥
buddhi-yukto jahātīha ubhe sukṛita-duṣhkṛite tasmād yogāya yujyasva yogaḥ karmasu kauśhalam
Meaning:Endowed with wisdom and evenness of mind, one casts off in this life both good and evil deeds; therefore, devote yourself to Yoga; Yoga is skill in action.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam (Bhagavad Gita 2.50)
Reveals the celebrated Gita teaching 'Yoga is skill in action' — the art of working with a balanced mind.
Teaches that even-minded wisdom (buddhi yoga) frees one from the binding effects of both good and bad karma.
Inspires excellence and skillfulness in work, performed with detachment rather than anxiety.
Recited for clarity, right discrimination (buddhi) and steadiness before undertaking action.
Contemplated as a guiding principle to make all of one's work a path of yoga.
How to Chant Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam (Bhagavad Gita 2.50)
Recite the verse and reflect on its meaning, resolving to do your work skillfully with a calm, even mind. It is contemplated as a life-principle — that approaching every action with equanimity and wisdom is itself yoga.
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