Karmanye vadhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana
“You have a right to perform actions, but never to the fruits.”
Structure
Karmanye vadhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana
Te (your) karmanye (in action) eva (alone) adhikāraḥ (right or authority) mā (not) kadācana (ever) phaleṣu (in the fruits/results)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karmanye | Karmanye | compound | karmadhāraya · "karma + ane" | in the matter of action |
| vadhikāras | adhikāras | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | right, authority |
| te | te | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | your |
| mā | mā | indeclinable | — | not |
| phaleṣu | phaleṣu | compound | tatpuruṣa · "phala + eṣu" | in the fruits |
| kadācana | kadācana | indeclinable | — | ever, at any time |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Ādi Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes the non-dual reading of this verse. Shankara interprets 'karmanye vadhikāras te' as the individual's right to perform actions without being attached to their consequences, for it is in this detachment that one approaches the brahman-ātman identity. He notes that the fruits of actions are not within one's control, hence, one should focus solely on the performance of duties. This verse, in Shankara's view, underscores the idea that the true Self (ātman) is beyond the realm of action and its fruits, pointing towards the ultimate reality of brahman. By letting go of the desire for fruits, the individual can realize their true nature, which is none other than brahman. This non-dualistic interpretation highlights the central theme of Advaita Vedānta: the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse is crucial in understanding the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, focuses on the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender, where the individual surrenders all their actions and their fruits to the Lord. This surrender is seen as a means to achieve liberation, emphasizing the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, stresses the importance of performing actions as a duty, without attachment to their outcomes, as a form of service to the Lord. Both interpretations highlight the central role of devotion and surrender in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, underscoring the idea that true freedom and peace can be achieved by dedicating one's actions and their fruits to Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal application of this verse. He saw it as a call to action, encouraging individuals to engage in selfless work without being motivated by personal gain or recognition. This, he believed, was a key to individual and societal transformation. S. Radhakrishnan, similarly, interpreted this verse as a reminder of the importance of duty and detachment in modern life. He argued that by focusing on performing one's duties without attachment to the outcomes, individuals can find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that is not dependent on external factors. Both Vivekānanda and Radhakrishnan connected this verse to contemporary life, advocating for a life of service, self-discipline, and inner freedom, thereby making the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gītā relevant and accessible to modern audiences.