Chapter 5 Verse 7
Karm Sanyās Yog
योगयुक्तो विशुद्धात्मा विजितात्मा जितेन्द्रियः। सर्वभूतात्मभूतात्मा कुर्वन्नपि न लिप्यते।।5.7।।
yoga-yukto viśhuddhātmā vijitātmā jitendriyaḥ sarva-bhūtātma-bhūtātmā kurvann api na lipyate
Word Meanings
| yoga-yuktaḥ | united in consciousness with God |
| viśhuddha-ātmā | one with purified intellect |
| vijita-ātmā | one who has conquered the mind |
| jita-indriyaḥ | having conquered the senses |
| sarva-bhūta-ātma-bhūta-ātmā | one who sees the Soul of all souls in every living being |
| kurvan | performing |
| api | although |
| na | never |
| lipyate | entangled |
Translation
He who is devoted to the path of action, whose mind is pure, who has conquered the self, who has subdued his senses, and who realizes his Self as the Self in all beings, though acting, is not tainted.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes a person who has brought mind and life into steady spiritual union. Their mind is clear, their senses are under control, and they see the same inner Self in every living being.
Because they act from that steady inner place, their actions are free from selfish clinging and do not cause spiritual impurity. Doing duties without desire for personal gain keeps the doer untainted, even while engaged in the world.
The teaching points to inner freedom: control the mind and senses, cultivate purity of heart, and recognize the one Self in all. From that view, action becomes service rather than attachment.
Life Application
- Before starting a task, take a few slow breaths, focus on doing it well, and let go of obsessing about the result.
- Build simple self-control habits: pause before reacting, set limits for impulses (food, phone, shopping).
- Practice seeing others as you would want to be seen: respond with kindness and respect rather than judgment.
Reflection Question
Can I do one thing today purely to serve, without expecting praise or reward?