The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Krishna reveals a threefold understanding needed: 'karmaṇo boddhavyam' (action should be understood), 'vikarmaṇaḥ boddhavyam' (prohibited action should be understood), and 'akarmaṇaḥ boddhavyam' (inaction should be understood). This isn't simple—'gahanā karmaṇo gatiḥ' (deep is the nature of action). The complexity comes from the fact that what appears as action might be inaction (doing while attached), and what appears as inaction might be action (not doing while free). Prohibited action (vikarma) is another category—actions that harm or violate dharma. Understanding this threefold distinction is essential because confusion leads to bondage. The verse emphasizes that this understanding requires depth—it's not superficial.