4. Philosophy of Action

Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog

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.

यस्य सर्वे समारम्भाः कामसङ्कल्पवर्जिताः
ज्ञानाग्निदग्धकर्माणं तमाहुः पण्डितं बुधाः

  • yasya — whose

  • sarve — every

  • samārambhāḥ — undertakings

  • kāma-saṅkalpa-varjitāḥ — devoid of desire for material pleasures
    kāma—desire for material pleasures; saṅkalpa—resolve; varjitāḥ—devoid of

    • kāma — desire for material pleasures

    • saṅkalpa — resolve

    • varjitāḥ — devoid of

  • jñānāgni-dagdha-karmāṇaṁ — actions burned in the fire of knowledge
    jñāna— knowledge; agni—in the fire; dagdha—burnt; karmāṇam—actions

    • jñānāgni

    • dagdha

    • karmāṇaṁ

  • tam — they

  • āhuḥ — address

  • paṇḍitaṁ — a sage

  • budhāḥ — the wise

...4.15

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.

[16]

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.

[17]

One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is the wisest among the wise, and has accomplished all actions.

[18]

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.

[19]

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.

[20]

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.

[21]

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.

[22]

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.

[23]

4.24...
Chapter 4, Verse 19