The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Krishna describes those who have achieved liberation—not as exceptional beings, but as 'many' (bahavaḥ) who followed a path. The characteristics: 'vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodha' (freed from attachment, fear, anger), 'man-mayāḥ' (absorbed in Me/filled with divine consciousness), 'mām upāśritāḥ' (taking refuge in Me/devoted), 'jñāna-tapasā pūtāḥ' (purified by knowledge-practice), and reaching 'mad-bhāvam' (My nature). This verse shows the practical path—not just understanding divine nature (verse 4.9), but actively purifying consciousness through knowledge and practice. The word 'tapasā' (austerity/practice) emphasizes that this requires effort, not just insight. Liberation comes through both understanding and practice.