Chapter 6 Verse 1
Dhyān Yog
श्री भगवानुवाच अनाश्रितः कर्मफलं कार्यं कर्म करोति यः। स संन्यासी च योगी च न निरग्निर्न चाक्रियः।।6.1।।
śhrī bhagavān uvācha anāśhritaḥ karma-phalaṁ kāryaṁ karma karoti yaḥ sa sannyāsī cha yogī cha na niragnir na chākriyaḥ
Word Meanings
| śhrī-bhagavān uvācha | the Supreme Lord said |
| anāśhritaḥ | not desiring |
| karma-phalam | results of actions |
| kāryam | obligatory |
| karma | work |
| karoti | perform |
| yaḥ | one who |
| saḥ | that person |
| sanyāsī | in the renounced order |
| cha | and |
| yogī | yogi |
| cha | and |
| na | not |
| niḥ | without |
| agniḥ | fire |
| na | not |
| cha | also |
| akriyaḥ | without activity |
Translation
The Blessed Lord said: He who performs his bounden duty without depending on the fruits of his actions—he is a sannyasi and a yogi, not he who is without fire and without action.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that real renunciation is inner, not just outward. A true sannyasi or yogi carries out the duties required of them, but without clinging to rewards or outcomes.
Renunciation here means letting go of selfish desire for gain. Acting with detachment and steady mind is spiritual practice. Mere inactivity or avoidance of responsibilities is not true renunciation.
A person who works with right attitude—offering effort without fixating on results—lives in balance. That steady action leads to peace and spiritual growth.
Life Application
- Do your daily duties fully, but remind yourself the result is not entirely in your control. Focus on honest effort, not on outcomes.
- When you feel attached to success or praise, pause and shift your intention to service, learning, or duty.
- Avoid escaping responsibilities thinking that doing nothing is spiritual; use action as a path to calmness and self-mastery.
Reflection Question
Am I acting from duty and service, or from desire for reward?