7rcTIX1xP

Part V: Renunciation.1423
Part V: Renunciation.
T
hen, again, spake Arjuna, the Pandu Prince, unto Krishna, the Blessed
Lord, saying:
“O Krishna, thou speakest in paradoxes, for first dost thou praise
renunciation of actions, and then praisest thou the performance of service
through actions. Pray which of these two hath the greater merit? And I beg
of thee that thou telleth me plainly and without danger of further doubt
and confusion on my part.”
Krishna: “Say I unto thee, O Prince, that both Renunciation of Action
and Service through Action have great merit—both lead toward the highest
goal. But, verily, I say unto thee, that, of the two, the performance of Service
is preferable to the Renunciation of Action—Right Action is better than is
Inaction. But even in the use of these terms, thou must be watchful lest thou
fall into confusion. For truly is he the greatest Renouncer who neither seeks
action nor yet avoids it—who neither runs after action, nor yet runs away
from it. He thus renounceth all, both likes and dislikes. Free from the pairs of
opposites is he, and calm and content, ready to perform all tasks and actions
that may be set before him, and yet likewise ready to refrain from all action,
not being attached thereto; yea, verily is such a one freed from bondage.