Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
Through swakarma—one's own duties—worshipping the One from whom all beings originate, and who pervades this entire universe, a man attains success and spiritual fulfillment. (18:46)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
यतः प्रवृत्तिर्भूतानां येन सर्वमिदं ततम् ।
स्वकर्मणा तमभ्यर्च्य सिद्धिं विन्दति मानवः॥
Word-by-word
यतः प्र-वृत्तिः भूतानाम् येन् सर्वम् इदम् ततम्;
स्व-कर्मणा तम् अभि-अर्च्य सिद्धिं विन्दति मानवः।
Commentary
The profound message conveyed here is that “Work is worship.” This verse’s significance becomes even clearer when considered alongside verses 12:6, 7, and 10, where the Lord provides seekers with two alternatives: either “dedicating all of one’s works and deeds to Him” while actively engaged in work (सर्वाणि कर्माणि मयि संन्यस्य..) or “working for Him” (“मत्कर्मपरमो भव” and “मदर्थमपि कर्माणि कुर्वन्..”). Thus, whether one is a sweeper or holds any other occupation, they can attain the highest spiritual fulfillment, including Nirvāna or heaven, by performing their duties with utmost sincerity and aligning with other divine instructions. Conversely, even a Chief Minister may be deprived of heaven and Nirvāna if they fail to fulfill their assigned responsibilities with care and integrity.