Chapter 9 Verse 28
Rāja Vidyā Yog
शुभाशुभफलैरेवं मोक्ष्यसे कर्मबन्धनैः। संन्यासयोगयुक्तात्मा विमुक्तो मामुपैष्यसि।।9.28।।
śhubhāśhubha-phalair evaṁ mokṣhyase karma-bandhanaiḥ sannyāsa-yoga-yuktātmā vimukto mām upaiṣhyasi
Word Meanings
| śhubha aśhubha phalaiḥ | from good and bad results |
| evam | thus |
| mokṣhyase | you shall be freed |
| karma | work |
| bandhanaiḥ | from the bondage |
| sanyāsa-yoga | renunciation of selfishness |
| yukta-ātmā | having the mind attached to me |
| vimuktaḥ | liberated |
| mām | to me |
| upaiṣhyasi | you shall reach |
Translation
Thus, you shall be freed from the bonds of actions yielding good and evil fruits; with the mind steadfast in the Yoga of renunciation, and liberated, you shall come to Me.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that freedom comes when you stop being attached to the results of your actions—whether those results seem good or bad. Letting go of reward and punishment frees you from the cycle of binding reactions.
"Sannyāsa-yoga" here means inner renunciation, not giving up duties. It means doing your work with a steady mind focused on the Divine, without selfish desire. When the mind is settled in this way, you become liberated and draw near to God.
The teaching is practical: true freedom is an inner change. Work faithfully, but release the need to control outcomes; that inner calm is what leads to real spiritual progress.
Life Application
- Do your tasks fully, then mentally let go of outcomes—remind yourself, "I did my part."
- Build a short daily practice (breathing, prayer, or quiet focus on the Divine) to steady the mind before action.
- When you get praise or blame, pause and return to your center instead of reacting—this trains non‑attachment.
Reflection Question
How would your choices change if you acted without expecting any reward or fear of loss?