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Chapter 18 · Verse 48 · Moksha Sanyaas Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 18.48

transformative Karma & Action Dharma & Duty Attachment & Letting Go

Sanskrit

सहजं कर्म कौन्तेय सदोषमपि न त्यजेत्।सर्वारम्भा हि दोषेण धूमेनाग्निरिवावृताः।।18.48।।

Transliteration

saha-jaṁ karma kaunteya sa-doṣham api na tyajet sarvārambhā hi doṣheṇa dhūmenāgnir ivāvṛitāḥ

Word by Word

saha-jam born of one’s nature
karma duty
kaunteya Arjun, the son of Kunti
sa-doṣham with defects
api even if
na tyajet one should not abandon
sarva-ārambhāḥ all endeavors
hi indeed
doṣheṇa with evil
dhūmena with smoke
agniḥ fire
iva as
āvṛitāḥ veiled
Simplified Perspective

Krishna reveals the deepest secret of renunciation: you do not abandon your dharma because it carries imperfection—you abandon the false self that demands perfection from action. Just as smoke does not diminish fire's essential nature, the flaws in your work do not taint your eternal Self.

When you act from your true nature without clinging to results, every deed becomes an offering, and imperfection transforms into grace. This teaching invites you to perform your duties fully today, released from the paralyzing shame of being human.

Listen

Bhagavad Gita 18.48 — BG 18.48

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

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