Bhagavad Gita · Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga — Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Chapter 4, Verse 20

"Bhagavad Gita 4.20" — meaning and explanation.

Meaning

4.20 Having abandoned attachment to the fruits of the action, ever content, depending on nothing, he does not do anything though engaged in activity.

।।4.20।। जो पुरुष, कर्मफलासक्ति को त्यागकर, नित्यतृप्त और सब आश्रयों से रहित है वह कर्म में प्रवृत्त होते हुए भी (वास्तव में) कुछ भी नहीं करता है।।

Explanation

4.20 त्यक्त्वा having abandoned? कर्मफलासङ्गम् attachment to the fruits of action? नित्यतृप्तः even content? निराश्रयः depending on nothing? कर्मणि in action? अभिप्रवृत्तः engaged? अपि even? न not? एव verily? किञ्चित् anything? करोति does? सः he.Commentary The same idea of inaction in action is repeated here to produce a deep impression on the minds of the aspirants. He who works for the wellbeing of the world and he who performs actions without egoism and attachment for the fruits? to set an example to the masses? really does nothing at all though he is ever engaged in activity? as he possesses the knowledge of the Self which is beyond all activity and as he has realised his identity with It.As Brahman the Absolute is selfcontained? all the desires are gratified if one realises the Self. He is ever satisfied and does not depend on anything? just as a man who has the favour of the king does not depend on the minister or the government official for anything. (Cf.IV.41)

Life Lesson

Study Bhagavad Gita 4.20 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.

Context

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, verse 20, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.

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