Karmaṇyevādikāro'ste mā phaleṣu kadācana । Mā karma-phala-heturbhūr mā te saṅgo'stv akarmaṇi
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but never to the fruits of your actions; never consider yourself to be the cause of the results, and never be attached to not doing your duty.”
Structure
Karmaṇi eva adhikāro 'ste, mā phaleṣu kadācana, mā karma-phala-hetuḥ bhūr, mā te saṅgo 'stu akarmaṇi
Te (your) karmaṇi (in action) eva (alone) adhikāro (right) 'ste (is), kadācana (at any time) mā (not) phaleṣu (in fruits) , mā (not) karma-phala-hetuḥ (result of action) bhūr (be), te (your) akarmaṇi (inaction) mā (not) saṅgo 'stu (association be)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karmaṇi | Karmaṇi | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in action |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, indeed |
| adhikāro | adhikāro | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | right, authority |
| aste | aste | verb | √as · present · third | is |
| mā | mā | indeclinable | — | not, do not |
| phaleṣu | phaleṣu | noun | locative · plural · masculine | in the fruits |
| kadācana | kadācana | indeclinable | — | ever, at any time |
| mā | mā | indeclinable | — | not, do not |
| karma | karma | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | action |
| phala | phala | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | fruit |
| hetuḥ | hetuḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | cause, motive |
| bhūr | bhūr | verb | √bhū · optative · second | be |
| mā | mā | indeclinable | — | not, do not |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | your |
| saṅgo | saṅgo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | attachment |
| astu | astu | verb | √as · optative · third | be |
| akarmaṇi | akarmaṇi | noun | locative · singular · masculine | inaction |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual essence of reality, where the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are ultimately one. Shankara's commentary on this verse emphasizes the importance of performing actions without attachment to their fruits, as this attachment fosters a sense of duality and separation from Brahman. By renouncing the desire for specific outcomes, the individual can transcend the limited ego-self and realize the identity of ātman and Brahman. In his Bhagavad Gītā Bhāṣya, Shankara notes that the performance of actions without desire for fruits is a means to attain liberation, as it allows the individual to recognize their true nature as actionless (nishkriya) and untouched by the fruits of action. This understanding is crucial for realizing the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is seen as a manifestation of the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of selfless devotion to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Gītā Bhāṣya, interprets this verse as highlighting the need for the jīva (individual self) to perform actions without attachment to their fruits, as this attachment can lead to a sense of independence from Īśvara. By renouncing the desire for specific outcomes, the jīva can cultivate a sense of dependence on Īśvara and recognize their role as a servant of the Lord. Madhvācārya, in his commentary, emphasizes the importance of performing actions with the intention of pleasing Īśvara, rather than seeking personal gain or satisfaction. This understanding is seen as crucial for developing a loving relationship with the Supreme Lord and ultimately attaining liberation through devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant practical implications for modern life, as it emphasizes the importance of performing actions without attachment to their outcomes. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, notes that this verse teaches us to focus on the process, rather than the end result, and to cultivate a sense of detachment and equanimity in the face of success or failure. This understanding is essential for maintaining mental balance and peace in today's fast-paced and increasingly complex world. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, expands on this idea by highlighting the importance of selfless action in fostering a sense of community and social responsibility. By performing actions without attachment to their fruits, individuals can transcend their individualistic pursuits and work towards the greater good, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more harmonious and equitable society.