Verse-26
Chapter 18 — Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
Verse 26
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
muktasaṅgo'nahaṁvādī dhṛtyutsāhasamanvitaḥ
siddhyasiddhyornirvikāraḥ kartā sāttvika ucyate
🕉 English Translation
Ahankar, asakti karta na jo,
Utsah dhiraj bhara jisme ho.
Hai siddhi asiddhi barabar jiseh,
Karta kahein satvic hee usch.
📜 Translation
English
The doer who is free from attachment, does not speak the language of egoism, has the qualities of determination and zeal and is free from the deformities of happiness and sorrow on the accomplishment or non accomplishment of work, is known to be satvic.
This verse of the Gita is an idealistic inspiration for those working in any field, anywhere, in any forum, society, institution. One may be the head, secretary or may hold any other position-he is in any case a worker. The word 'worker' in any way does not indicate a low status. Anyone who discharges his functions according to one's position, status, post is actually a worker. The question arises as to how work is to be done. This ideal inspiration is meant for this only.
This verse is an important guiding light on the path for those wanting to make optimum use of their abilities or those who want to enhance their skilfulness, or who want to do full justice to their jobs. There should be no attachment while performing work-neither towards the future rewards, nor for the post nor even for the material object. Attachment leads to narrowness. Sometimes it so happens, that while performing work, ego-filled assertions are made every now and then. To consider oneself as superior to others and also to declare the same to all is not good. If one has to maintain harmony and also get honour for oneself, then remember there should be no egoism, neither in the mind nor in the speech. Impatience and hastiness is also a hurdle in the way of making work purposeful and successful. There should not be great anxiety about being successful or unsuccessful. Do not allow the energy to be drained uselessly through worry. There should not be great elation on the attainment of success nor should there excessive dejection on meeting with failure. Both the states are an impediment in the long term.