Chapter 4 Verse 19
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
यस्य सर्वे समारम्भाः कामसङ्कल्पवर्जिताः। ज्ञानाग्निदग्धकर्माणं तमाहुः पण्डितं बुधाः।।4.19।।
yasya sarve samārambhāḥ kāma-saṅkalpa-varjitāḥ jñānāgni-dagdha-karmāṇaṁ tam āhuḥ paṇḍitaṁ budhāḥ
Word Meanings
| yasya | whose |
| sarve | every |
| samārambhāḥ | undertakings |
| kāma | desire for material pleasures |
| saṅkalpa | resolve |
| varjitāḥ | devoid of |
| jñāna | divine knowledge |
| agni | in the fire |
| dagdha | burnt |
| karmāṇam | actions |
| tam | him |
| āhuḥ | address |
| paṇḍitam | a sage |
| budhāḥ | the wise |
Translation
He whose undertakings are all devoid of desires and selfish purposes, and whose actions have been burned by the fire of knowledge, the wise call him a sage.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says a wise person acts without selfish desire. Their choices and efforts are not driven by craving for rewards or personal gain.
"Burned by the fire of knowledge" means inner clarity and insight have removed attachment. When knowledge lights up the heart, actions no longer bind or disturb the person.
Such a person is steady and free. They do what is right because it is right, not to get something in return.
Life Application
- Before you act, ask: "Am I doing this for approval, money, or to help?" Let honest service guide your choices.
- Practice simple awareness: do your work fully, then let go of expecting a specific result.
- Build clarity through short daily reflection or study so desires lose their power over your actions.
Reflection Question
When I look at my recent choices, which ones were driven by fear or reward rather than by rightness?