Chapter 4 Verse 20
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
त्यक्त्वा कर्मफलासङ्गं नित्यतृप्तो निराश्रयः। कर्मण्यभिप्रवृत्तोऽपि नैव किञ्चित्करोति सः।।4.20।।
tyaktvā karma-phalāsaṅgaṁ nitya-tṛipto nirāśhrayaḥ karmaṇyabhipravṛitto ’pi naiva kiñchit karoti saḥ
Word Meanings
| tyaktvā | having given up |
| karma-phala-āsaṅgam | attachment to the fruits of action |
| nitya | always |
| tṛiptaḥ | satisfied |
| nirāśhrayaḥ | without dependence |
| karmaṇi | in activities |
| abhipravṛittaḥ | engaged |
| api | despite |
| na | not |
| eva | certainly |
| kiñchit | anything |
| karoti | do |
| saḥ | that person |
Translation
Having abandoned attachment to the fruits of the action, ever content, depending on nothing, he does not do anything even while being engaged in activity.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes a person who has let go of wanting rewards from their actions. They are inwardly satisfied and do not depend on external approval or results for their peace.
Even while they act in the world, they do not feel like the doer in the usual egoistic way. Their actions continue, but without attachment, desire, or stress about outcomes. Spiritually, this is freedom from the sense of "I do" and freedom from chasing results.
Life Application
- Do your tasks fully but release anxiety about the outcome — focus on effort, not reward.
- Build contentment by simplifying wants and practicing gratitude for what you have.
- When you act, notice urges to claim credit; remind yourself your role is to serve, not to own results.
Reflection Question
Am I acting to get something, or am I acting because it is the right thing to do?