Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 4: Knowledge and the Renouncing of Action

Bhagavad Gita 4.32

evaṃ bahuvidhā yajñā vitatā brahmaṇo mukhe | karmajānviddhi tānsarvānevaṃ jñātvā vimokṣyase ||

Many kinds of sacrifice like these are set out in the words of the Veda. Know that all of them are born of action. Knowing this, you will be set free.

Modern context

Krishna sums up the list with one observation: every one of these sacrifices is born of action. Ritual, restraint, breath control, study and giving all take effort of body, speech or mind. No spiritual path consists of doing nothing. The belief that one could escape action by choosing a 'higher' way of life falls here, and seeing this is itself freeing. Life does not offer a choice between acting and not acting. The choice it offers is between action that binds and action that is offered.