The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Krishna concludes Chapter 4 with a powerful call to action: 'chittvainaṁ saṁśayaṁ yogam ātiṣṭhottṣṭha bhārata' (cut this doubt with the sword of knowledge, take up yoga, and arise!). The metaphor of knowledge as a sword ('jñānāsinā') emphasizes that knowledge actively destroys doubt—it's not passive understanding, but active cutting away of ignorance. 'Hṛtsthaṁ' (residing in the heart) shows doubt is deeply rooted—not superficial, but at the core. 'Ajñānasambhūtam' (born of ignorance) shows doubt's source—ignorance creates uncertainty. The call to 'arise' ('uttiṣṭha') emphasizes action—don't just understand, but act. This verse concludes the chapter by combining knowledge and action—cut doubt with knowledge, take up practice (yoga), and engage in life. It's the perfect ending—knowledge that leads to action, understanding that leads to engagement.