4. Philosophy of Action

Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog

BG 4.21

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.

निराशीर्यतचित्तात्मा त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः
शारीरं केवलं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम्

  • nirāśhīr — free from expectations

  • yata-chittātmā — controlled mind and intellect

    • yata — controlled

    • chittātmā — mind and intellect
      chitta-ātmā

  • tyakta-sarva-parigrahaḥ — abandoned all sense of ownership

    • tyakta — abandoned

    • sarva — all

    • parigrahaḥ — sense of ownership

  • śhārīraṁ — bodily

  • kevalaṁ — only

  • karma — actions

  • kurvan — performing

  • nāpnoti — never incurs

    • na — never

    • āpnoti — incurs

  • kilbiṣham — sin

...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...

Similar verses

Chapter 4, Verse 21