Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 18: Freedom through Renunciation
Bhagavad Gita 18.3
त्याज्यं दोषवदित्येके कर्म प्राहुर्मनीषिणः ।
यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यमिति चापरे ॥
tyājyaṃ doṣavadityeke karma prāhurmanīṣiṇaḥ | yajñadānatapaḥkarma na tyājyamiti cāpare ||
Some thinkers say that all action should be given up as flawed. Others say that acts of sacrifice, giving, and austerity should not be given up.
Modern context
Two schools of thought are named: some say all action is flawed and should be given up; others say acts of worship, giving and discipline should never be given up. Krishna takes both seriously before giving his own view. This is good teaching. He does not dismiss rival positions but lays them out fairly first.