Chapter 4 Verse 12
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
काङ्क्षन्तः कर्मणां सिद्धिं यजन्त इह देवताः। क्षिप्रं हि मानुषे लोके सिद्धिर्भवति कर्मजा।।4.12।।
kāṅkṣhantaḥ karmaṇāṁ siddhiṁ yajanta iha devatāḥ kṣhipraṁ hi mānuṣhe loke siddhir bhavati karmajā
Word Meanings
| kāṅkṣhantaḥ | desiring |
| karmaṇām | material activities |
| siddhim | success |
| yajante | worship |
| iha | in this world |
| devatāḥ | the celestial gods |
| kṣhipram | quickly |
| hi | certainly |
| mānuṣhe | in human society |
| loke | within this world |
| siddhiḥ | rewarding |
| bhavati | manifest |
| karma-jā | from material activities |
Translation
Those who long for success in action in this world sacrifice to the gods; for success is quickly attained by men through action.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that people who want success in their actions often perform rituals or worship to gain favor. In everyday life, outcomes usually come from doing things — action produces results.
Philosophically, it points to the close link between desire, effort, and reward. Worship and rituals are one way people focus energy and ask for support, but the real cause of success is the action itself.
Spiritually, the verse warns about motive. If you act only for rewards, you become attached and restless. A wiser approach is to do your work sincerely, offer the results to a higher purpose, and remain free from anxious clinging to outcomes.
Life Application
- Before starting work, clarify your motive: act diligently but do not let outcomes control your peace.
- Use simple rituals or routines (prayer, breath, intention) to center yourself, then focus on steady effort rather than quick results.
- When results come, accept them without pride and setbacks without despair; treat results as the natural fruit of honest action.
Reflection Question
Am I working mainly for rewards, or for doing the right thing with a calm heart?