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Chapter 4 · Verse 21 · Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 4.21

transformative Karma & Action Attachment & Letting Go Jnana & Wisdom

Sanskrit

निराशीर्यतचित्तात्मा त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः। शारीरं केवलं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम्।।4.21।।

Transliteration

nirāśhīr yata-chittātmā tyakta-sarva-parigrahaḥ śhārīraṁ kevalaṁ karma kurvan nāpnoti kilbiṣham

Word by Word

nirāśhīḥ free from expectations
yata controlled
chitta-ātmā mind and intellect
tyakta having abandoned
sarva all
parigrahaḥ the sense of ownership
śhārīram bodily
kevalam only
karma actions
kurvan performing
na never
āpnoti incurs
kilbiṣham sin
Simplified Perspective

When you release the grip of expectation and ownership, your actions become pure instruments of dharma rather than transactions seeking reward. The Rishis teach us that sin clings only to the doer who acts from ego and desire—but one who moves through the world with a controlled mind and open hands remains untouched, like lotus leaves in water.

In our modern rush for results and accumulation, this verse invites us to ask: what if the peace we seek comes not from what we gain, but from what we release?

Listen

Bhagavad Gita 4.21 — BG 4.21

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

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