when krishna told arjuna about karma yoga

When Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa first spoke the Bhagavad‑gītā to Arjuna, He traced its lineage back to the sun‑god Vivasvān, showing that the science of yoga—including karma‑yoga—has been transmitted from the highest authorities to mankind (BG 4.1). In response to Arjuna’s doubt about whether to renounce work or to act with devotion, the Lord clarified that both renunciation of work and work performed in devotional service are conducive to liberation, but that work in devotion is the superior path (BG 5.1‑5.2). He further explained that there are two kinds of seekers: those who pursue self‑realization through empirical, philosophical speculation (sāṅkhya‑yoga) and those who engage in devotional service (karma‑yoga or buddhi‑yoga) (BG 3.3). By presenting karma‑yoga as the practical, transcendental activity that frees one from reaction, Lord Kṛṣṇa gave Arjuna—and all sincere seekers—a clear, inspiring guideline: perform one’s duties as an offering to the Divine, and thus attain liberation while remaining engaged in the world.