When a fisherman casts his net, he encounters four kinds of fish. One senses danger instantly and darts away. It is free. A few struggle and manage to escape. Others strive to break out but remain trapped. The majority, however, simply bite the net and relax. They don’t realise they are in danger. They feel no threat. Yet moments later, they are gone.
Similarly, there are four kinds of people. Most belong to the fourth category. Caught in the net of maya—delusion—they are unaware of the dangers of life. They, the bhogis, are comfortable in bondage. Some awaken to a higher dimension and recognise life’s pitfalls. They make sincere efforts to free themselves. They are the yogis. A few among them succeed and escape. These are the sannyasis. Rarest of all is the one who lives in the world yet is untouched by it—ever free, nitya mukta. He is the jnani.
Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita maps this inner journey. It explains the three kinds of spiritual aspirants and reveals a way to move from bondage to liberation—while fully participating in life and enjoying it.
A yogi is a beginner, still burdened by many desires. He has to plough through the path of action. A sannyasi has shed the bulk of his desires and is ready for contemplation and meditation. He neither hates nor craves and remains steady amidst the pairs of opposites in the world. Such a person finds liberation easily. But Krishna underscores the importance of action. One has to practise Karma Yoga to be fit for meditation. Action is not optional. It is the foundation. A jnani has purified his inner world, mastered the mind, and subdued the senses. Seeing himself in all beings, he remains unaffected even while acting.
So how do we move from bhogi to yogi? Look inward. When problems arise, relationships strain, or obstacles block your path, do not blame others or circumstances. Ask yourself: What could I have done differently? What can I do now? The moment you accept responsibility, agitation ceases. Clarity emerges, creativity flows and solutions appear. Success follows. You are happy. You grow into a charismatic leader.
Verses 8 to 12 describe how the yogi, sannyasi, and jnani act in the world. A jnani is active, yet inwardly detached. While acting dynamically, he maintains the attitude, “I do nothing at all.” A sannyasi dedicates all actions to Atman and lives like a lotus leaf in water—constantly in contact, yet untouched. Though immersed in the world, he is anchored in the awareness of Atman. A yogi acts with detachment, focused on inner purification.
One of the most fascinating concepts in the Gita is that of renunciation—not of action, but in action. This distinction changes everything. Act with total commitment, with your heart and soul. Give your best. Then let go of the result. Accept whatever comes as prasad from the Lord. Engage fully with life, yet remain free from its grip.
Renunciation has nothing to do with possessions or the lack of them. It is about desire. If desires reduce, you are renounced. If they multiply, you are not renounced. Sudama lived in poverty. King Janaka lived in luxury. Both were renunciates. You don’t need to reject life’s pleasures. Acquire, enjoy, experience—yet remain unattached. Paradoxically, enjoyment will increase. Anxiety will fade. And you will grow spiritually.
So what do you really renounce? You renounce regret over the past and anxiety for the future. You focus 100% on the present action. You remove the wrapper and enjoy the chocolate. You discard the peel and savour the orange. You clear mental clutter and work with your strengths.
In the end, renunciation opens the door to Realisation—a life unshackled from the limitations of body, mind, and intellect. You rise above the finitude of the world and enjoy the realm beyond.
Jaya Row will speak on Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 in-person in Kolkata from 6 to 8 February daily 6.30 to 8 pm. All are welcome. 98201 38429
