After the principles of Self-knowledge (Sankhya) were enumerated by Bhagawan, HE goes

on to give the practice thereof which could help Arjuna to come out of the bondage of
Karma. Sankhya and Yoga are like the theory and practice or like pure science and applied
science respectively. They augment each other very well. They do not conflict with each
other in any way. Yoga is none other than living the life abundantly. By the practice of yoga,
mind grows in purity. To the purified mind, the concept of Atman becomes progressively
lucid. This is how Jnana and Yoga mutually aid. Truths pertaining to Atman have to be
enquired into. What is known thereby has to be put into practice.

Bhagawan says that the practice of Yoga done to whatever extent never goes waste. Any
little practice of it, gives to that extent a glimpse into the nature of the Atman. The fear of
death is the greatest of all. As the Atman is being understood this fear ceases.

For those practicing Karma Yoga, there is only one thought and understanding. The minds of
others are totally distracted into endless thoughts. Firmness in mind comes to one who
learns concentration. Through one-pointedness, realization of the Reality and atonement of
It is possible. This exalted state can be attained by means of Sankhya and Yoga merging into
one. The one who is firm-in-mind is therefore the best among men.

Bhagawan then gives the ways of the world and talks about how the unwise people utter
flowery speech, taking pleasure in the words of the Vedas (Karma kanda portion of the
Vedas), and say that there is nothing else but pleasures and enjoyments either here or in
heaven. They are full of desire, with heaven as their highest goal, leading to new births as
the effect of their own Karma, and they engage themselves in a multiplicity of specific works
for the purpose of acquiring enjoyments and prosperity. Enjoyment of pleasure and
happiness is not the goal of the human life. The attainment of the perfection is its supreme
object. The means for it is to be absorbed in Sankhya and Yoga. Rituals simply distract the
mind and takes away power of discrimination.

Certain portions of the Vedas deal with material things pertaining to the three gunas. One
should transcend the three gunas, become free from the operation of the pains of
opposites, take refuge in the pure Sattvik state, and firmly establish oneself in Atma. The
wise person also has nothing to gain or retain in the world. To an enlightened or wise
person (who has known the Self), the Vedas are only as useful as a tank or reservoir of
water in a place where there is a flood. This essentially means that all the rewards and
enjoyments that are in the Karma kanda are comprehended in the Bliss of Brahman / Self.

Beings are all busy either to gain something or to ward off something unwanted. In the
absence of such a motive no action needs be performed. But Bhagawan tells Arjuna not to
be motivated and at the same time be intensely active. Yes, herein lies the turning point in
life from Preyas to Shreyas. Good accrues from detachment and never from attachment.
Karma itself is no evil, but it becomes so when mixed up with desire. The doctrine of Karma
Yoga states - You have right to action / work only, and not to the fruits of action / work.
Again, this should not be construed as leading to inaction. Attachment to the fruits of action
should be given up, and not the action itself. It means work should be done in a spirit of
surrendering the fruits to the Lord. At all times, and under all circumstances, man should
keep the mind free from the desire for the fruits of action. As mind thinks of the results of
work, anxieties and fears rush into the mind.

The nature of the mind is to elated in success and dejected in failure. But, by remaining
unperturbed by either, the mind gains in clarity and firmness. This even mindedness is
equilibrium. Such equanimity is called Yoga. Steadfast in Yoga, giving up all attachment,
unmindful of success or failure, do your actions. Action motivated by results or attached to
fruits is far inferior to that performed with equanimity of mind. Those who work for fruits
and rewards are wrecked.

The man of equanimity born of wisdom releases himself both from good and bad even in
this life. Therefore strive for nishkarma with an equal mind. Skill in action is Yoga. Work is
executed very efficiently in poise only. Attachment and aversion take away the efficiency
from man.

Wise men endowed with equanimity of the mind, having abandoned the fruits of action,
gets released from the bonds of samsara and goes to the abode beyond all sorrow and evil.

When the understanding transcends the taint of delusion, then shall you gain indifference
to things heard and those yet to be heard. When the intellect which is tossed between the
conflict of opinions has become poised and firmly fixed in equilibrium, then you shall get
into Yoga (attain union with the Supreme Being).