Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 5 Meaning

Acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity should not be abandoned, but should be performed; for sacrifice, gift, and austerity are the purifiers of the wise.

BG 18.5

यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यं कार्यमेव तत्।यज्ञो दानं तपश्चैव पावनानि मनीषिणाम्

yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-karma na tyājyaṁ kāryam eva tat yajño dānaṁ tapaśh chaiva pāvanāni manīṣhiṇām

Meaning

Acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity should not be abandoned, but should be performed; for sacrifice, gift, and austerity are the purifiers of the wise.

Available in 28 languages

Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: Acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity should not be abandoned, but should be performed; for sacrifice, gift, and austerity are the purifiers of the wise.

In The Yoga of Liberation (Moksha Sanyasa Yoga), Krishna explains The conclusion of the Gita, summarizing all paths and encouraging Arjuna to surrender to God.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

Chapter Context

The conclusion of the Gita, summarizing all paths and encouraging Arjuna to surrender to God.

Key themes in this chapter include Liberation, Surrender, Duty, Grace.

When to Apply This Verse

  • •When you need steadiness while dealing with liberation
  • •When practicing surrender amid uncertainty
  • •When applying duty to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 18.5?
Acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity should not be abandoned, but should be performed; for sacrifice, gift, and austerity are the purifiers of the wise. This verse emphasizes liberation with clarity and purpose.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.5 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on surrender and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

Related Verses

BG 18.2

The Blessed Lord said, "The sages understand sannyasa to be the renunciation of action with desire; the wise declare the abandonment of the fruits of all actions to be tyaga."

BG 18.6

But even these actions should be performed, leaving aside attachment and the desire for rewards, O Arjuna; this is my certain and most assured conviction.

BG 1.1

Dhritarashtra said, "What did my people and the sons of Pandu do when they had assembled together, eager for battle, on the holy plain of Kurukshetra, O Sanjaya?"

Explore Related Themes

Self-Discipline

Read in Other Languages

EnglishHindiMarathiGujarati
← Back to Chapter 18: The Yoga of Liberation

Build a daily reading habit with Nitya

Get the Free App