BG 4.18
One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is the wisest among the wise, and has accomplished all actions.
स बुद्धिमान् मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्
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karmaṇyakarma — action in inaction
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yaḥ — who
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paśhyed — sees
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akarmaṇi — inaction
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cha — also
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karma — action
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yaḥ — who
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sa — they
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buddhimān — wise
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manuṣhyeṣhu — among humans
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sa — they
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yuktaḥ — yogis
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kṛitsna-karma-kṛit — performers all kinds of actions
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kṛitsna
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karma
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kṛit
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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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That which is attained through spiritual wisdom is also attained by working with devotion. The wise see them both as the same.
- Verse 5.5
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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.
- Verse 4.16
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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.
- Verse 4.19
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Such a wise student is superior to the ascetic, the scholar, and to those of action - therefore, be a wise person, Arjuna!
- Verse 6.46
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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