Chapter 4 · Verse 18 of 42
The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action
ज्ञानकर्मसन्न्यासयोग
Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
The one who sees akarma (action without a binding effects) in karma (action) and karma (action) in akarma (actionlessness) is wise among humans and, despite remaining engaged in different activities, is a Yogi and realized the essence of all endeavors. (4:18)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म यः ।
स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्॥
Word-by-word
कर्मणि अकर्म यः पश्येत्, अकर्मणि च कर्म यः,
सः बुद्धिमान् मनुष्येषु, सः युक्तः कृत्स्न-कर्म-कृत्।
Commentary
Typically, voluntary actions (karma) are inherently linked to an expected outcome or result, much like two sides of a coin. If we consider this perspective of karma, any action devoid of an attached desire for its result, or even the intention behind the act itself, is not truly karma. Even if it appears as action on the surface, at its core, it is non-action. Conversely, when an action is not physically executed but the desire to do it or the yearning for its fruits remains, it’s technically termed as karma (action). In terms of generating kārmic bonds and affecting rebirth, it holds the same weight as karma. "Karma-bandhana" refers to the entanglement in the cycle of birth and death due to one’s actions, especially when driven by the desire for their outcomes.