Karmaṇyevādikāraḥ te mā phaleṣu kadācana.
“You have a right to perform actions, but never to the fruits.”
Structure
Karmaṇi eva adhikāraḥ te mā phaleṣu kadācana
Te (your) eva (alone) karmaṇi (in action) adhikāraḥ (right) mā (not) kadācana (ever) phaleṣu (in fruits)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karmaṇi | Karmaṇi | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in action |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, indeed |
| adhikāraḥ | adhikāraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | duty, responsibility |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | your |
| mā | mā | indeclinable | — | not |
| phaleṣu | phaleṣu | noun | locative · plural · neuter | in the fruits |
| kadācana | kadācana | indeclinable | — | ever, at any time |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the distinction between action and its consequences, emphasizing that the individual has control over their actions, but not the outcome. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this as a means to focus on the action itself, rather than being driven by a desire for a specific result. He argues that detachment from the fruits of action (vairāgya) is essential for realizing the ultimate reality, Brahman. The identity of Brahman and Ātman is implied, as the verse encourages the individual to renounce their attachment to the fruits, thereby transcending the limitations of the ego and realizing their true nature. According to Shankara, this understanding is crucial for achieving liberation (mokṣa). By focusing on the action, rather than the outcome, the individual can cultivate a sense of inner peace and detachment, ultimately leading to the realization of the Brahman-Ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya interprets this verse as emphasizing the importance of selfless action, dedicated to the supreme being, Īśvara. He argues that the individual should perform actions without attachment to the results, offering the fruits to the Lord. This approach fosters a sense of devotion and surrender, recognizing that the ultimate outcome is in the hands of the divine. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, stresses that the individual has a direct relationship with Īśvara, and that actions should be performed with the intention of pleasing the Lord. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva emphasize the importance of bhakti, or devotion, in the performance of actions, and this verse is seen as a means to cultivate a sense of dependence on the divine, rather than reliance on one's own abilities. By surrendering the fruits of action to the Lord, the individual can develop a deeper sense of devotion and connection with the ultimate reality.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda views this verse as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of selfless work and the need to renounce attachment to the results. He argues that this approach can be applied to all aspects of life, from personal relationships to social and professional endeavors. Vivekānanda sees this verse as a means to cultivate a sense of inner freedom, unencumbered by the burdens of expectation and attachment. S. Rādhākrishnan, on the other hand, interprets this verse as a message of universal applicability, emphasizing the importance of action and the need to transcend the limitations of the ego. He argues that this approach can be applied to contemporary life, encouraging individuals to focus on the present moment and perform actions with a sense of detachment, rather than being driven by a desire for external validation or reward. According to Radhakrishnan, this verse offers a profound message for modern times, encouraging individuals to cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfillment, regardless of external circumstances.