The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Krishna acknowledges a profound confusion: 'kavayo 'pi mohitāḥ' (even the wise are confused) about what constitutes action versus inaction. This is Arjuna's exact dilemma from Chapter 3—should he act or not? The verse promises to clarify 'kim karma kim akarmeti' (what is action, what is inaction) in a way that liberates. The word 'mokṣyase' (you will be freed) shows this understanding is transformative—not just intellectual clarity, but freedom from confusion. This verse introduces the deep teaching that follows: action and inaction aren't what they appear. True inaction might be doing nothing while attached. True action might be doing everything while free. The distinction matters because confusion here leads to bondage.