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Chapter 4 · Verse 12 · Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 4.12

empowering Karma & Action Dharma & Duty Attachment & Letting Go

Sanskrit

काङ्क्षन्तः कर्मणां सिद्धिं यजन्त इह देवताः। क्षिप्रं हि मानुषे लोके सिद्धिर्भवति कर्मजा।।4.12।।

Transliteration

kāṅkṣhantaḥ karmaṇāṁ siddhiṁ yajanta iha devatāḥ kṣhipraṁ hi mānuṣhe loke siddhir bhavati karmajā

Word by Word

kāṅkṣhantaḥ desiring
karmaṇām material activities
siddhim success
yajante worship
iha in this world
devatāḥ the celestial gods
kṣhipram quickly
hi certainly
mānuṣhe in human society
loke within this world
siddhiḥ rewarding
bhavati manifest
karma-jā from material activities
Simplified Perspective

Krishna reveals a profound truth: even the celestial beings perform rituals and sacrifices seeking success in their endeavors, understanding that right action aligned with cosmic order brings swift fruit. The gods themselves know that karma-yoga—action performed without ego—is the gateway to achievement in this world.

When we act with dedication to something greater than our personal gain, we tap into the same universal principle that sustains all beings, and success flows naturally as a consequence of dharmic action rather than anxious striving.

Listen

Bhagavad Gita 4.12 — BG 4.12

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

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