Chapter 4: Jñāna Karma Sannyāsa Yoga – Renunciation of Actions through Enlightenment: Verse 20
त्यक्त्वा कर्मफलासङ्गं नित्यतृप्तो निराश्रय: ।
कर्मण्यभिप्रवृत्तोऽपि नैव किञ्चित्करोति स: ॥
tyaktvā karma-phalāsaṅgaṃ nitya-tṛpto nirāśraya:
karmaṇy-abhipravṛtto’pi naiva kiñcit-karoti sa: – 4.20
Leaving the delusional clinging to the results of karma, ever content, free of expectation, the one who engages in activities, verily does not do anything; he remains a non-doer.
Chapter 4: Jñāna Karma Sannyāsa Yoga – Renunciation of Actions through Enlightenment - Verse 20
Ma Gurupriya
In this set of four slokas (19-22), this is the second of Krishna’s propositions to gain inner freedom. These points are dissociated from religion and allied concepts.
There is no mention of even the Soul here. Krishna focusses on one’s own inner personality, and the insight, refinement and sublimation it imbibes and reflects while acting. In this sense, these are unique revelations.
The first part of this sloka calls for abandoning the usual delusional clinging to the subjective results actions fetch. Every act is designed and executed to yield a certain result. Done well, its outcome is irresistible. Without any yearning, perform the task well, applying your whole mind.
This inner refinement makes the mind free and joyous. One becomes ever contented, independent of anything. Let such a one engage in any extent of activities; virtually he will not be doing anything at all. The internal effect of the activities will be like writing on water.
