Chapter 2 Verse 47

Your right is only to work, but not to its results; do not let the results of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.

Core Meaning

This verse teaches that your duty is to act, not to control the results. You are responsible for effort and intention, but the outcome depends on many factors beyond your control.

Spiritually, this frees you from anxiety and ego: when you focus on honest work rather than praise or reward, your actions become purer and more peaceful. At the same time, detachment does not mean laziness — you must still perform your duties fully, without clinging to success or avoiding responsibility.

The balance is steady action with inner calm: do what is right, give your best, and accept whatever follows without letting it define you.

Life Application

• Do your daily tasks with full attention and effort, but avoid obsessing over outcomes or results.
• Make work an offering: set honest intentions, then let go of worry about praise, profit, or failure.
• Don’t use “detachment” as an excuse to avoid responsibility; keep taking action even when results are uncertain.

Reflection Question

Am I acting from duty and sincerity, or from attachment to how things will turn out?