Chapter 18 Verse 17
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
यस्य नाहंकृतो भावो बुद्धिर्यस्य न लिप्यते।हत्वापि स इमाँल्लोकान्न हन्ति न निबध्यते।।18.17।।
yasya nāhankṛito bhāvo buddhir yasya na lipyate hatvā ‘pi sa imāl lokān na hanti na nibadhyate
Word Meanings
| yasya | whose |
| na ahankṛitaḥ | free from the ego of being the doer |
| bhāvaḥ | nature |
| buddhiḥ | intellect |
| yasya | whose |
| na lipyate | unattached |
| hatvā | slay |
| api | even |
| saḥ | they |
| imān | this |
| lokān | living beings |
| na | neither |
| hanti | kill |
| na | nor |
| nibadhyate | get bound |
Translation
He who is free from the egoistic notion, whose intelligence is not tainted by good or evil, though he slays these people, he does not slay, nor is he bound by the action.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes a person whose sense of "I did this" is gone and whose mind sees clearly without being smeared by ideas of good or bad. Such a person acts from steady wisdom, not from pride, fear, or craving.
Even if that person performs a harsh or violent duty, it is as if nothing harmful is done. Because the action is not driven by ego or attachment, it does not bind the doer. "Killing" can also mean removing ignorance or wrong habits; when done without selfish motive, the inner self remains free.
Life Application
- Before you act, ask: am I doing this for pride, reward, or to help? Choose the motive of duty and care, not ego.
- Make hard decisions calmly and clearly. Accept responsibility but let go of blaming the outcome on your identity.
- Build simple habits (brief reflection, mindfulness, or asking your motive) to reduce ego-driven choices and keep your heart steady.
Reflection Question
Am I acting from my true duty and clear judgment, or from a need to be seen and praised?