Gita Darshan: Discourses on the Bhagavad Gita by Osho (Volume 4): Adhyaya 5 – Yoga of Renunciation of Action (Karma – Sannyas – Yoga)

Description

n these discourses by Osho on Adhyaya 5 of the Bhagavad Gita, the paths of Karma Sannyas Yoga and Nishkam Karma Yoga are discussed. Osho approaches these paths from different perspectives and highlights their differences.

Karma Sannyas Yoga is the path of renunciation of action, in which the seeker leaves behind the world, family, and possessions to live in a forest, a mountain cave, or a monastery. There, one dedicates one’s entire life to non-action, meditation, prayer, and spiritual practices. This path is traditionally followed by sannyasins and monks, who are more introverted and feel at ease living in solitude.

Krishna advises Arjuna to follow the path of Nishkam Karma Yoga, which He says will be easier for him to follow. Osho explains that this path is also more suitable and easier for modern individuals, who are extroverted and outgoing, much like Arjuna. On this path, the seeker continues to live in the world and perform actions, but renounces desires and expectations regarding the outcomes of those actions.

In various sutras of this Adhyaya, Krishna offers Arjuna different keys-essentially small experiments and meditation techniques- that can be practiced in daily life. Osho elaborates on these techniques in detail and encourages us to adopt and practice them, emphasizing that mere intellectual understanding is not sufficient to bring about inner transformation.