Chapter 18 Verse 26
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
मुक्तसङ्गोऽनहंवादी धृत्युत्साहसमन्वितः।सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योर्निर्विकारः कर्ता सात्त्विक उच्यते।।18.26।।
mukta-saṅgo ‘nahaṁ-vādī dhṛity-utsāha-samanvitaḥ siddhy-asiddhyor nirvikāraḥ kartā sāttvika uchyate
Word Meanings
| mukta-saṅgaḥ | free from worldly attachment |
| anaham-vādī | free from ego |
| dhṛiti | strong resolve |
| utsāha | zeal |
| samanvitaḥ | endowed with |
| siddhi-asiddhyoḥ | in success and failure |
| nirvikāraḥ | unaffected |
| kartā | worker |
| sāttvikaḥ | in the mode of goodness |
| uchyate | is said to be |
Translation
An agent who is free from attachment, non-egoistic, endowed with firmness and enthusiasm, and unaffected by success or failure, is considered to be of a Sattvic (pure) nature.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes an ideal doer: someone free from attachment and ego, steady in resolve, and full of earnest energy. Such a person works with calm commitment and is not shaken by success or failure.
Philosophically, it teaches that true freedom comes from inner stability, not from avoiding work. Acting without clinging to outcomes lets you do the right thing clearly and without inner conflict. This is not cold detachment but a balanced, caring engagement.
When actions arise from this quiet strength, they reduce anxiety and inner turmoil. Over time, steady effort joined with equanimity leads to clearer judgment, inner peace, and skillful living.
Life Application
- Before starting a task, set a clear intention to do your best but remind yourself that results are not fully in your control.
- Cultivate steady habits: small daily efforts with consistent enthusiasm are more powerful than irregular bursts driven by ego.
- When outcomes vary, notice your reactions without judging them; practice letting praise or blame pass without changing your inner balance.
Reflection Question
Do I act from steady purpose, or do I let success and failure decide how I feel and behave?