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Bhagavad Gita · 18.6 · Yoga through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender·6 of 78

एतान्यपि तु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा फलानि चकर्तव्यानीति मे पार्थ निश्िचतं मतमुत्तमम्

etāny api tu karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā phalāni cha

kartavyānīti me pārtha niśhchitaṁ matam uttamam

Sanskrit recitation

True renunciation · 18.1–18.12 · Teaching

Translation

But even these actions should be performed, leaving aside attachment and the desire for rewards, O Arjuna; this is my certain and most assured conviction.

Meaning

This is a summary of the doctrine of Karma Yoga enunciated before on several occasions. The fault of defect of Karma is certainly not in the action itself, but in the expectation of reward and attachment.Etani api Even these Sacrifice, charity and austerity also, in the same way as other unselfish actions. Even these refers to acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity. Actions that are performed in an unselfish spirit without attachment and idea of agency, do not stand in the way of your obtaining emancipation. When actions are done without expectation of rewards, Rajas and Tamas are destroyed and the mind is filled with Sattva or purity. Actions done with the spirit of selflessness and with discrimination are instrumental in destroying the bonds of Karma (the law of cause and effect).The Lord said Hear from Me the conclusion or the final truth about renunciation (verse 4 above). Then He said with all the force of His authority that acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity should not be given up as they are purifiers of the wise

After Swami Sivananda

True renunciation· 18.1–18.12

Teachers usually read this idea across several verses together, one shared reflection covers the whole unit.

Word-by-word
me
my
cha
and
iti
such
matam
opinion
api tu
must certainly be
etāni
these
pārtha
Arjun, the son of Pritha
uttamam
supreme
phalāni
rewards
saṅgam
attachment
tyaktvā
giving up
karmāṇi
activities
kartavyāni
should be done as duty
niśhchitam
definite

Related verses

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