Chapter 4 Verse 18
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म यः। स बुद्धिमान् मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्।।4.18।।
karmaṇyakarma yaḥ paśhyed akarmaṇi cha karma yaḥ sa buddhimān manuṣhyeṣhu sa yuktaḥ kṛitsna-karma-kṛit
Word Meanings
| karmaṇi | action |
| akarma | in inaction |
| yaḥ | who |
| paśhyet | see |
| akarmaṇi | inaction |
| cha | also |
| karma | action |
| yaḥ | who |
| saḥ | they |
| buddhi-mān | wise |
| manuṣhyeṣhu | amongst humans |
| saḥ | they |
| yuktaḥ | yogis |
| kṛitsna-karma-kṛit | performers all kinds of actions |
Translation
He who sees inaction in action and action in inaction, he is wise among men; he is a yogi and performer of all actions.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse teaches that a wise person can tell the difference between outward doing and inward freedom. When you act without clinging to results or identity, your action becomes like inaction because it does not bind you. The body moves, but the mind is free.
It also says that doing nothing outwardly can be full of right effort. Quiet attention, steady intention, and inner readiness are active even when the hands are still. This inner action shapes future outcomes and guides right timing.
A person who understands both sides — acting without attachment and resting with alertness — lives with balance. Such a person is called a yogi: fully engaged in life but not disturbed by success or failure.
Life Application
- Do your work with full attention but let go of obsessive worry about results; focus on skill and service rather than reward.
- Cultivate short moments of inner stillness during the day (pause, breathe, check your intention) so your "inaction" is alert, not passive.
- Serve others and meet responsibilities without tying your worth to outcomes; this reduces stress and increases clarity.
Reflection Question
When have I acted without needing a reward, and how did that change my peace of mind?