yogasthaḥ kuru kārmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya . siddhyasiddhyoḥ same manaḥ, kṛtvā yogādhipataye ॥
“Being steadfast in yoga, O Arjuna, perform actions without attachment, and with an equanimous mind, dedicated to the Lord of yoga.”
Structure
yogasthah kuru karmaani sangam tyaktvaa dhanañjaya siddhyasiddhyoh same manah krtvaa yogaadhipataye
yogasthah (established in yoga) kuru (do) karmaani (actions) sangam (attachment) tyaktvaa (having abandoned) dhanañjaya (Arjuna),siddhyasiddhyoh (in success and failure) same (equally) manah (mind) krtvaa (having made) yogaadhipataye (to the lord of yoga)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yogasthah | yogasthāḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "yoge sthitah" | situated in yoga |
| kuru | kuru | verb | √kṛ · laṣ- imperative · second | do |
| karmaani | karmāṇi | noun | accusative · plural · neuter | actions |
| sangam | saṅgaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | attachment |
| tyaktvaa | tyaktvā | indeclinable | — | having abandoned |
| dhanañjaya | dhanañjaya | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Arjuna |
| siddhyasiddhyoh | siddhyasiddhyoḥ | compound | dvandva · "siddhiḥ ca asiddhiḥ ca" | success and failure |
| same | same | indeclinable | — | equally |
| manah | manas | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | mind |
| krtvaa | kṛtvā | indeclinable | — | having made |
| yogaadhipataye | yogādhipātaye | compound | tatpuruṣa · "yogasya adhipatih" | the Lord of Yoga |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, as it instructs the seeker to perform actions without attachment (sangam tyaktvaa), which is only possible when one realizes the identity of brahman and ātman. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes that yogasthah, or being steadfast in yoga, means to be established in the knowledge of the Self, transcending the duality of success and failure (siddhyasiddhyoḥ same manah). By dedicating actions to the Lord of yoga (yogādhipataye), one acknowledges the ultimate reality that underlies all actions, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. This detachment and equanimity allow the individual to see through the veil of maya, revealing the non-dual essence that pervades all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): According to Rāmānujācārya, this verse highlights the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, to the Lord. The instruction to perform actions without attachment (sangam tyaktvaa) is a call to surrender one's ego and desires to the will of Īśvara. By dedicating all actions to the Lord of yoga (yogādhipataye), the individual establishes a personal relationship with God, recognizing their role as a servant or devotee (jīva) in relation to the supreme Lord (Īśvara). This relationship is characterized by love, devotion, and a deep sense of dependence on God's grace. In this context, the equanimity of mind (siddhyasiddhyoḥ same manah) is not a state of indifference, but rather a reflection of the devotee's trust in God's providence, leading to a life of selfless service and devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical applications of yoga in everyday life, and this verse offers a powerful prescription for living a life of purpose and balance. By being steadfast in yoga (yogasthah), one cultivates a sense of inner stability and calm, allowing for more effective and selfless action in the world. The instruction to perform actions without attachment (sangam tyaktvaa) is a call to let go of egoistic motivations and desires, instead dedicating one's work to a higher ideal or common good (yogādhipataye). This attitude of detachment and equanimity (siddhyasiddhyoḥ same manah) enables individuals to approach challenges with a clear and level head, unencumbered by anxiety or fear of failure. As Vivekānanda often said, 'The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall,' and this verse offers a timeless wisdom for rising above life's challenges with courage, resilience, and devotion.