Chapter 5 Verse 11
Karm Sanyās Yog
कायेन मनसा बुद्ध्या केवलैरिन्द्रियैरपि। योगिनः कर्म कुर्वन्ति सङ्गं त्यक्त्वाऽऽत्मशुद्धये।।5.11।।
kāyena manasā buddhyā kevalair indriyair api yoginaḥ karma kurvanti saṅgaṁ tyaktvātma-śhuddhaye
Word Meanings
| kāyena | with the body |
| manasā | with the mind |
| buddhyā | with the intellect |
| kevalaiḥ | only |
| indriyaiḥ | with the senses |
| api | even |
| yoginaḥ | the yogis |
| karma | actions |
| kurvanti | perform |
| saṅgam | attachment |
| tyaktvā | giving up |
| ātma | of the self |
| śhuddhaye | for the purification |
Translation
Yogis, having abandoned attachment, perform actions only through the body, mind, intellect, and even the senses, for the purification of the self.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that a true yogi still uses the body, mind, intellect, and senses to act, but without clinging to outcomes. Acting continues, yet attachment to reward, praise, or fear of loss is given up.
Renouncing attachment makes action a tool for inner purification. When actions are done with clarity and without selfish expectation, they cleanse the heart and reduce inner conflict.
The point is not to stop working, but to work with steady presence and right intention. That steady, detached practice gradually frees you from habits that cause suffering.
Life Application
- Before starting a task, check your motive: aim to do your duty or grow, not to win approval or avoid blame.
- Practice brief pauses: breathe and set intention to act without grabbing for results.
- When praise or criticism comes, notice it but keep returning focus to the work itself.
Reflection Question
Am I doing this task for my growth and duty, or for the reward and recognition it brings?