BG 4.19
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.
ज्ञानाग्निदग्धकर्माणं तमाहुः पण्डितं बुधाः
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yasya — whose
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sarve — every
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samārambhāḥ — undertakings
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kāma-saṅkalpa-varjitāḥ — devoid of desire for material pleasures
kāma—desire for material pleasures; saṅkalpa—resolve; varjitāḥ—devoid of-
kāma — desire for material pleasures
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saṅkalpa — resolve
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varjitāḥ — devoid of
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jñānāgni-dagdha-karmāṇaṁ — actions burned in the fire of knowledge
jñāna— knowledge; agni—in the fire; dagdha—burnt; karmāṇam—actions-
jñānāgni
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dagdha
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karmāṇaṁ
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tam — they
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āhuḥ — address
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paṇḍitaṁ — a sage
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budhāḥ — the wise
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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One who desires nothing but wisdom and spiritual realization, who has conquered the senses, and looks the same way upon a stone as a piece of gold, is a true saint.
- Verse 6.8
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One who is free from desires, who is pure, skillful, impartial, courageous, and has renounced every undertaking - they are dear to me.
- Verse 12.16
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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
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Others, kindled by wisdom, sacrifice their activities and their breathing into the fire of self-restraint.
- Verse 4.27
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Just as fire consumes the fuel, all actions are reduced to ashes in the fire of wisdom.
- Verse 4.37