One of the most famous verses from the Bhagavad Gita about performing duty without attachment to results.
Sanskrit
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Transliteration
karmaṇy evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo 'stv akarmaṇi
Translation
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but not to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.”
Chapter 2, Verse 47: The Foundation of Karma Yoga
This verse is often considered the cornerstone of the Bhagavad Gita's teaching on Karma Yoga - the path of selfless action.
Sanskrit Text
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Transliteration
karmaṇy evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo 'stv akarmaṇi
Translation
You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but not to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.
Commentary
This verse teaches us four fundamental principles:
- Right to Action (कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते): We have the right and responsibility to perform our duties
- No Right to Results (मा फलेषु कदाचन): We should not be attached to the outcomes
- Avoid Ego (मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्): Don't consider yourself the sole cause of results
- Avoid Inaction (मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि): Don't be attached to avoiding action
Modern Application
In today's world, this verse teaches us:
- In Career: Focus on doing your best work without being obsessed with promotions or recognition
- In Relationships: Give love freely without expecting specific returns
- In Education: Study with dedication without being anxious about grades
- In Service: Help others without seeking praise or rewards
Key Insights
"The secret of happiness lies in performing our duties without attachment to the results."
This verse liberates us from the anxiety of outcomes while keeping us engaged in meaningful action. It's the perfect balance between effort and surrender.