BG 4.16
What is action, and what is inaction? Even the wise are perplexed by this. Therefore, I will tell you of the philosophy of action, by which you can achieve liberation.
तत्ते कर्म प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात्
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kiṁ — what
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karma — action
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kim — what
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akarmeti — inaction thus
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akarma — inaction
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iti — thus
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kavayo — the wise
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’pyatra — even in this
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api — even
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atra — in this
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mohitāḥ — are confused
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tat — that
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te — to you
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karma — action
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pravakṣhyāmi — I shall explain
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yaj — which
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jñātvā — knowing
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mokṣhyase — liberate yourself
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’śhubhāt — misfortune, inauspiciousness
aśhubhāt
What is action, and what is inaction? Even the wise are perplexed by this. Therefore, I will tell you of the philosophy of action, by which you can achieve liberation. It is necessary to consider what is righteous action, and what is immoral action, and what is inaction, for the paths of action are mysterious. One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is the wisest among the wise, and has accomplished all actions. The truly wise sage embarks on every undertaking without desire for material gain, and with actions that have been purified by the fire of knowledge. Having surrendered all claim to the fruit of actions, ever contented with the inner self, one ceases to act even if they may be engaged in action. Free from desire, with control of the mind and intellect, having renounced sensual pleasures, and performing actions with the body alone, one remains untainted by sin. Content with whatever comes without effort, transcending the dualities of nature, with a mind situated in goodwill and equanimous to both success and failure, one may act without being bound by the consequences. One who is without attachment has been liberated. Their mind has become established in knowledge, and they work only for the sake of sacrifice, leaving no residue of Karma.
Similar verses
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Having imparted this philosophy concerning the body and soul, I will now tell you how one may use their intellect to release themselves from the bondage of action.
- Verse 2.39
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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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One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is the wisest among the wise, and has accomplished all actions.
- Verse 4.18
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It is necessary to consider what is righteous action, and what is immoral action, and what is inaction, for the paths of action are mysterious.
- Verse 4.17
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These various forms of sacrifice, dependent on action, are the path to your liberation.
- Verse 4.32