BG 18.23
An action is pure when it is performed without attachment, free from desire or aversion, by one who does not seek the result of performing it.
अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत्तत्सात्त्विकमुच्यते
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niyataṁ — in accordance with scriptures
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saṅga-rahitam — free from attachment
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saṅga
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rahitam
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arāga-dveṣhataḥ — free from attachment and aversion
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arāga
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dveṣhataḥ
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kṛitam — done
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aphala-prepsunā — without desire for rewards
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aphala
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prepsunā
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karma — action
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yat — which
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tat — that
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sāttvikam — in the mode of goodness
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uchyate — is called
An action is pure when it is performed without attachment, free from desire or aversion, by one who does not seek the result of performing it. Actions born of passion seek to gratify sensual desires and nurture the ego, regardless of how strenuous the endeavor may be. Actions born of ignorance are undertaken without regard to consequences, capacity, or potential harm.
Similar verses
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One who performs actions without attachment and ego, full of contentment and enthusiasm, equanimous in both success and failure, is said to be of a pure nature.
- Verse 18.26
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Pure renunciation is performing one's prescribed duties without any personal desire to act or the motivation of any reward.
- Verse 18.9
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I am not contaminated by action, since I do not desire the fruit of actions. One who understands this is freed from the bondage of action.
- Verse 4.14
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But these actions should be performed with detachment and without thought of reward.
- Verse 18.6
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One whose mind is entirely detached, who has conquered the self and is free from desire, attains through renunciation the supreme perfection and freedom from action.
- Verse 18.49