BG 4.22
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.
समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते
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yadṛichchhā-lābha-santuṣhṭo — content with gain of its own accord
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yadṛichchhā — which comes of its own accord
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lābha — gain
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santuṣhṭo — contented
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dvandvātīto — surpassed duality
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dvandva — duality
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atītaḥ — surpassed
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vimatsaraḥ — free from envy
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samaḥ — equipoised
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siddhāvasiddhau — in success and failure
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siddhau — in success
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asiddhau — failure
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cha — and
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kṛitvāpi — even performing
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kṛitvā — performing
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api — even
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na — never
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nibadhyate — is bound
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 performs actions without attachment and ego, full of contentment and enthusiasm, equanimous in both success and failure, is said to be of a pure nature.
- Verse 18.26
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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
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Free from vanity, delusion, and attachment, with a mind that dwells constantly in the self, renounced of desire and liberated from the duality of pleasure and pain, one attains that eternal abode.
- Verse 15.5
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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.
- Verse 4.20
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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