Far lower than the Yoga of wisdom is action, O Arjuna. Seek thou refuge in wisdom; wretched are those whose motive is the fruit.

Swami Sivananda

O Dhananjaya, indeed, action is inferior to the yoga of wisdom. Take refuge in wisdom. Those who thirst for rewards are pitiable.

Swami Gambirananda

Follows the commentary of Shankara (Advaita).

Action done with attachment, O Arjuna, is far inferior to action done with evenness of mind. Seek refuge in evenness of mind; those who act with a motive for results are miserable.

Swami Adidevananda

Follows the commentary of Ramanuja (Vishishtadvaita).

O Dhananjaya! The inferior action stays away at a distance due to the yoga of one's contact with the determining faculty; in the determining faculty, you must seek refuge; wretched are those who are the cause of the fruits of action.

Dr. S. Sankaranarayan

Follows the commentary of Abhinavagupta (Kashmir Shaivism).

Physical action is far inferior to an intellect concentrated on the Divine. Therefore, have recourse to Pure Intelligence. It is only the small-minded who work for reward.

Shri Purohit Swami

बुद्धियोग-(समता) की अपेक्षा सकामकर्म दूरसे (अत्यन्त) ही निकृष्ट है। अतः हे धनञ्जय ! तू बुद्धि (समता) का आश्रय ले; क्योंकि फलके हेतु बननेवाले अत्यन्त दीन हैं।

Swami Ramsukhdas

इस बुद्धियोग की तुलना में(सकाम) कर्म अत्यन्त निकृष्ट हैं? इसलिये हे धनंजय तुम बद्धि की शरण लो फल की इच्छा करनेवाले कृपण (दीन) हैं।

Swami Tejomayananda