BG 4.15
Be like the ancient sages, seekers of liberation who sought deliverance in the performance of their duties.
कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वं पूर्वैः पूर्वतरं कृतम्
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evaṁ — thus
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jñātvā — knowing
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kṛitaṁ — performed
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karma — actions
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pūrvair — of the ancient (sages)
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api — indeed
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mumukṣhubhiḥ — seekers of liberation
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kuru — should perform
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karmaiva — duty indeed
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karma — duty
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eva — certainly
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tasmāttvaṁ — therefore you
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tasmāt — therefore
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tvam — you
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pūrvaiḥ — of the ancient (sages)
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pūrvataraṁ — in ancient times
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kṛitam — performed
The four divisions of society - priests and scholars, leaders and warriors, farmers and merchants, servants and laborers - were created by me, according to the natural distribution of qualities and instincts. Though I have authored this, I am not the creator, and remain unchanging. 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. Be like the ancient sages, seekers of liberation who sought deliverance in the performance of their duties.
Similar verses
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Those who are wise do not disturb the understanding of those attached to their actions due to ignorance. They perform work with devotion, and inspire others to do the same.
- Verse 3.26
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The sages, whose sins have been washed away, whose minds are subdued, and who only seek the welfare of all beings, become one with the eternal spirit of Brahman.
- Verse 5.25
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...that sage who has controlled the senses, mind, and intellect, and is free from desire, fear, and anger, attains eternal liberation.
- Verse 5.28
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The sage who understands this transcends all merit from scriptures, sacrifice, austerity, or charity, and reaches the primordial supreme state.
- Verse 8.28
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Others, kindled by wisdom, sacrifice their activities and their breathing into the fire of self-restraint.
- Verse 4.27