2.49. Action performed with desire is far inferior to the yoga of wisdom (equanimity). Therefore, O Dhananjaya, take refuge in wisdom (equanimity); wretched indeed are those who are motivated by the fruits of action.
Commentary: "Action is far inferior to the yoga of wisdom" – Performing action with a desire for results is extremely inferior compared to the yoga of wisdom, i.e., equanimity. The reason is that actions themselves are subject to creation and destruction, and the fruits of those actions are subject to union and separation. However, yoga (equanimity) is eternal; it is never separated from. There is no distortion in it. Therefore, action with desire is extremely inferior compared to equanimity. Equanimity is the best among all actions. Without equanimity, beings merely keep performing actions and, as a consequence of those actions, keep being born and dying, suffering sorrow. The reason is that without equanimity, actions lack the power to liberate. Equanimity in action is skillfulness. If there is no equanimity in actions, then egoism and possessiveness toward the body will arise, and having egoism and possessiveness toward the body is animal-like intellect. In the Bhagavata, Shukadevaji said to King Parikshit: "O King, give up this animal-like intellect that 'I shall die.'" The implication of saying "far" is that just as light and darkness can never be equal, similarly, the yoga of wisdom and action with desire can never be equal. There is a great difference between the two, like day and night. The reason is that the yoga of wisdom leads to the attainment of the Supreme Self, while action with desire leads to birth and death.
"Seek refuge in wisdom" – Take refuge in wisdom (equanimity). To abide constantly in equanimity is to take refuge in it. Only by abiding in equanimity will you experience your established state in your own true nature.
"Wretched are those motivated by fruits" – To be motivated by the fruits of actions is extremely wretched. To associate oneself with actions, the fruits of actions, the means for action, and instruments like the body – this is to become motivated by the fruits of action. Therefore, in the forty-seventh verse, the Lord forbade becoming motivated by the fruits of action by saying, "Do not be motivated by the fruits of action."
Action and the fruit of action are separate categories, and that eternal principle which is devoid of both is a separate category. What wretchedness could be greater than that eternal principle becoming dependent on the non-eternal fruit of action?
Connection: The previous verse spoke of taking refuge in that wisdom; now the following verses describe the fruit of taking refuge in that same wisdom.
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