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Chapter 4 · Verse 20 · Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 4.20

serene Karma & Action Attachment & Letting Go Jnana & Wisdom

Sanskrit

त्यक्त्वा कर्मफलासङ्गं नित्यतृप्तो निराश्रयः। कर्मण्यभिप्रवृत्तोऽपि नैव किञ्चित्करोति सः।।4.20।।

Transliteration

tyaktvā karma-phalāsaṅgaṁ nitya-tṛipto nirāśhrayaḥ karmaṇyabhipravṛitto ’pi naiva kiñchit karoti saḥ

Word by Word

tyaktvā having given up
karma-phala-āsaṅgam attachment to the fruits of action
nitya always
tṛiptaḥ satisfied
nirāśhrayaḥ without dependence
karmaṇi in activities
abhipravṛittaḥ engaged
api despite
na not
eva certainly
kiñchit anything
karoti do
saḥ that person
Simplified Perspective

This verse reveals the paradox at the heart of enlightened action: the wise person works ceaselessly, yet remains untouched by the results, like the lotus unstained by water. When you release your grip on outcomes and rest in inner completeness, you become a pure instrument of dharma—action flows through you without the poisonous residue of expectation.

In modern life, this means you can pursue excellence in your work, relationships, and growth while releasing the anxiety that comes from needing specific results, transforming your daily struggles into offerings.

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Bhagavad Gita 4.20 — BG 4.20

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

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