Chapter 18: Moksha-sannyasa-yoga:: Verse 23
नियतं सङ्गरहितमरागद्वेषत: कृतम् ।
अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत्तत्सात्त्विकमुच्यते ॥
niyataṃ saṅga-rahitam-arāga-dveṣata: kṛtam
aphala-prepsunā karma yat-tat-sāttvikam-ucyate – 18.23
An action which is duly regulated, performed without attachment, desire and hatred, and not motivated by results, is said to be sāttvika.
Chapter 18: Moksha-sannyasa-yoga: - Verse 23
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
After explaining the three kinds of knowledge, Krishna takes up action, and first explains what makes an action sattvika.
Human mind is capable of imbibing and displaying plural notes. Once we understand this, every one can apply his own viveka in making his choice. One will know what kind of action he is involved in, and who are the different kinds of people he has to interact with. Krishna’s words are enlightening and directional alike.
Of the four basic refinements Krishna enjoins, the first is to adhere to the guidance and exhortations of Gita or other sastras. This is a sattvika propulsion. The second is to drop all sanga, delusional clinging, to whatever one does. The third is to perform without desires or hatred. The fourth is not to be unduly swung by performantial results.
Let the actions, done with full application, fruition in their natural way and sequence. Be content and ready to accept any outcome. Contentment relates solely to the mind, not to any objective factor.
