Chapter 18 Verse 23
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
नियतं सङ्गरहितमरागद्वेषतः कृतम्।अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत्तत्सात्त्विकमुच्यते।।18.23।।
niyataṁ saṅga-rahitam arāga-dveṣhataḥ kṛitam aphala-prepsunā karma yat tat sāttvikam uchyate
Word Meanings
| niyatam | in accordance with scriptures |
| saṅga-rahitam | free from attachment |
| arāga-dveṣhataḥ | free from attachment and aversion |
| kṛitam | done |
| aphala-prepsunā | without desire for rewards |
| karma | action |
| yat | which |
| tat | that |
| sāttvikam | in the mode of goodness |
| uchyate | is called |
Translation
An action that is ordained, free from attachment, done without love or hatred, and without desire for reward is declared to be Sattvic.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says a Sattvic action is one that follows what is right, is done without clinging, and without personal likes or hates. It is carried out without aiming for reward or praise.
Spiritually, such actions come from a calm, clear heart rather than from ego or craving. Acting this way frees the mind from worry about results and reduces the ties that bind us to repeated habits and suffering.
In daily life, Sattvic action brings steadiness, trust, and inner peace. It makes work sincere and relationships fair, because your choices come from duty and care, not from personal gain or bias.
Life Application
- Before you start a task, remind yourself of the right intention: do it because it should be done, not just to get something back.
- Focus on doing your best in the present moment and let go of attachment to outcomes or praise.
- Treat people and situations with evenness—avoid letting personal liking or disliking drive your actions.
Reflection Question
Am I doing this from a calm sense of duty, or from wanting a reward or approval?