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Chapter 18 · Verse 23 · Moksha Sanyaas Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 18.23

transformative Karma & Action Attachment & Letting Go Dharma & Duty

Sanskrit

नियतं सङ्गरहितमरागद्वेषतः कृतम्।अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत्तत्सात्त्विकमुच्यते।।18.23।।

Transliteration

niyataṁ saṅga-rahitam arāga-dveṣhataḥ kṛitam aphala-prepsunā karma yat tat sāttvikam uchyate

Word by Word

niyatam in accordance with scriptures
saṅga-rahitam free from attachment
arāga-dveṣhataḥ free from attachment and aversion
kṛitam done
aphala-prepsunā without desire for rewards
karma action
yat which
tat that
sāttvikam in the mode of goodness
uchyate is called
Simplified Perspective

This verse reveals the heart of sattvic action—work performed not for personal gain, but as an offering to the divine order itself. When you act according to your duty, untethered from the fruits and free from the waves of desire and aversion, your action becomes a prayer.

In modern life, this means showing up fully to your responsibilities—whether at work, in relationships, or service—while releasing your grip on outcomes, knowing that your effort itself is the only victory that matters.

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Bhagavad Gita 18.23 — BG 18.23

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Sanskrit text from the Bhagavad Gita (public domain). Commentary © Mahakatha.

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