Chapter 4 Verse 21
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
निराशीर्यतचित्तात्मा त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः। शारीरं केवलं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम्।।4.21।।
nirāśhīr yata-chittātmā tyakta-sarva-parigrahaḥ śhārīraṁ kevalaṁ karma kurvan nāpnoti kilbiṣham
Word Meanings
| nirāśhīḥ | free from expectations |
| yata | controlled |
| chitta-ātmā | mind and intellect |
| tyakta | having abandoned |
| sarva | all |
| parigrahaḥ | the sense of ownership |
| śhārīram | bodily |
| kevalam | only |
| karma | actions |
| kurvan | performing |
| na | never |
| āpnoti | incurs |
| kilbiṣham | sin |
Translation
Without hope, controlling the mind and the self, having abandoned all covetousness, and performing only bodily actions, one incurs no sin.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that wrong-doing comes from wanting, clinging, and claiming. When you keep hopes and desires low, steady your mind, and stop treating things as "mine," your actions stop creating moral weight.
Seeing yourself as the inner being and the body as an instrument helps. If you act without selfish aims and without possessiveness, your deeds do not bind you with guilt or unwanted consequences.
In short, purity of intention and freedom from ownership make work harmless. It is not the action alone but the attitude behind it that affects your spiritual state.
Life Application
- Before acting, check your motive: are you doing this for birthright, praise, or pure duty? Choose the latter.
- Practice letting go of small attachments—labels, credit, or the need to control outcomes—so everyday tasks feel lighter.
- Treat possessions and roles as tools to serve, not as parts of your identity; this reduces stress and conflict.
Reflection Question
Am I doing this for praise and gain, or out of duty and care?