Chapter 4 Verse 15
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
एवं ज्ञात्वा कृतं कर्म पूर्वैरपि मुमुक्षुभिः। कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वं पूर्वैः पूर्वतरं कृतम्।।4.15।।
evaṁ jñātvā kṛitaṁ karma pūrvair api mumukṣhubhiḥ kuru karmaiva tasmāttvaṁ pūrvaiḥ pūrvataraṁ kṛitam
Word Meanings
| evam | thus |
| jñātvā | knowing |
| kṛitam | performed |
| karma | actions |
| pūrvaiḥ | of ancient times |
| api | indeed |
| mumukṣhubhiḥ | seekers of liberation |
| kuru | should perform |
| karma | duty |
| eva | certainly |
| tasmāt | therefore |
| tvam | you |
| pūrvaiḥ | of those ancient sages |
| pūrva-taram | in ancient times |
| kṛitam | performed |
Translation
Having known this, the ancient seekers of freedom also performed action; therefore, do thou also perform action, as the ancients did in days of yore.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse reminds us that wise seekers in the past did not stop acting. Even those who sought freedom continued to work, because action is part of life.
The important change is in how they acted. With true knowledge they performed duties without selfish attachment to outcomes, so their actions did not bind them.
By following their example, we learn that wisdom does not mean withdrawal from life. It means doing what is right, with calm and clear intent, letting go of craving for results.
Life Application
- Do your daily tasks faithfully, but remind yourself the purpose is service or growth, not only reward.
- Before acting, pause and set a calm intention: do it well, then let the result go.
- Learn from wise role models and keep practicing small acts without holding on to praise or gain.
Reflection Question
Am I doing this work to feed my ego, or to serve a larger purpose and grow?