BG 4.20
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.
कर्मण्यभिप्रवृत्तोऽपि नैव किञ्चित्करोति सः
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tyaktvā — having given up
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karma-phalāsaṅgaṁ — attachment to the fruits of action
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karma — actions, work
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phalāsaṅgaṁ — attachment to fruits or results
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nitya-tṛipto — always satisfied
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nitya — always
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tṛipto — satisfied
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nirāśhrayaḥ — without dependence
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karmaṇyabhipravṛitto — engaged in activities
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karmaṇi — in activities
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abhipravṛittaḥ — engaged
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’pi — despite
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naiva — certainly not
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na — not
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eva — certainly
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kiñchit — anything
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karoti — do
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saḥ — that (person)
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 mentally renounces all action enjoys happiness and self-control of the body, neither doing anything nor causing anything to be done.
- Verse 5.13
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Having a body makes it is impossible to completely give up action. The truly renounced are those who relinquish the fruit of their actions.
- Verse 18.11
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One who abandons the fruit of action attains everlasting peace. Those who remain attached to the fruit of their actions, driven by desire for the outcome, remain in bondage to attachment.
- Verse 5.12
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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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The wise, with equanimous minds, relinquish the fruit of their actions and are freed from the bondage of life and death, attaining a state that is devoid of suffering.
- Verse 2.51