योगः कर्मसु कौशलम् — Word-by-Word Meaning
योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
बुद्धियुक्तः
buddhi-yuktaḥ
endowed with wisdom (evenness of mind)
जहाति
jahāti
casts off, gets rid of
इह
iha
in this life
उभे
ubhe
both
सुकृत-दुष्कृते
sukṛita-duṣhkṛite
good and bad deeds
तस्मात्
tasmāt
therefore
योगाय
yogāya
to yoga
युज्यस्व
yujyasva
devote yourself, strive for
योगः
yogaḥ
yoga is
कर्मसु
karmasu
in actions
कौशलम्
kauśhalam
skill, the art of working skillfully
Complete Translation
समत्वबुद्धि युक्त पुरुष यहां (इस जीवन में) पुण्य और पाप इन दोनों कर्मों को त्याग देता है। इसलिये तुम योग से युक्त हो जाओ। कर्मों में कुशलता ही योग है।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 50
Author: Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching)
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam' mean?▼
It is a celebrated line from Bhagavad Gita 2.50 meaning 'Yoga is skill in action.' Krishna teaches that performing one's work with an even, detached mind — not merely doing it efficiently — is the real skillfulness, and this is yoga.
How does this verse relate to karma?▼
Krishna says one endowed with even-minded wisdom (buddhi-yukta) casts off both good and bad deeds in this life — meaning such a person is no longer bound by the results of karma. Acting with equanimity frees one from karmic bondage.
When is this verse recited?▼
It is recited and reflected upon before undertaking work or duties, and cherished as a guiding maxim for living. Many contemplate it daily as a reminder to bring skill, balance and detachment to everything they do.
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