Chapter 4 Verse 41
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
योगसंन्यस्तकर्माणं ज्ञानसंछिन्नसंशयम्। आत्मवन्तं न कर्माणि निबध्नन्ति धनञ्जय।।4.41।।
yoga-sannyasta-karmāṇaṁ jñāna-sañchhinna-sanśhayam ātmavantaṁ na karmāṇi nibadhnanti dhanañjaya
Word Meanings
| yoga-sannyasta-karmāṇam | those who renounce ritualistic karm, dedicating their body, mind, and soul to God |
| jñāna | by knowledge |
| sañchhinna | dispelled |
| sanśhayam | doubts |
| ātma-vantam | situated in knowledge of the self |
| na | not |
| karmāṇi | actions |
| nibadhnanti | bind |
| dhanañjaya | Arjun, the conqueror of wealth |
Translation
He who has renounced actions through Yoga, whose doubts have been dispelled by knowledge, and who is self-possessed—such a one is not bound by actions, O Arjuna.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says true renunciation is inner, not just stopping work. When you give your actions to a higher purpose through steady practice (yoga), you stop doing things out of selfish desire.
Knowledge removes doubt about who you are. When you are firmly rooted in the true self and free from confusion, actions no longer bind you with anxiety, guilt, or craving.
In other words, you can live and act fully, but without being owned by results. Freedom comes from inner clarity and steady focus, not from escaping life.
Life Application
- Pause briefly before work to set a clear, selfless intention — act as an offering rather than for personal gain.
- Build simple practices (quiet reflection, honest self-checks, short meditation) to remove doubt about your motives and direction.
- Do your duties with care, but let go of attachment to outcomes; focus on right effort rather than fixed results.
Reflection Question
Am I acting from inner clarity or from fear of gain and loss?