Verse-20
Chapter 4 — Gyan Karma Sannayasa Yoga
Verse 20
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
tyaktvā karmaphalāsaṅgaṁ nityatṛpto nirāśrayaḥ
karmaṇyabhipravṛtto'pi naiva kiṁcitkaroti saḥ
🕉 English Translation
Jo leta na sansar ka asara,
Rahe tript jo atma mein sadaa.
Phal main na asakti jiski kahin,
Karte huae kuch bhi karta nahin.
📜 Translation
English
The one who giving up attachment to works and its fruits has become free from dependence on the world and is ever content in the Lord; he though engaging in action in reality does nothing.
While performing action he is actually not doing anything; this is a unique speciality of the Gita. On the issue of yoga of action, the Gita sermonizer time and again brings this state before us. The reason for doing so is that the action in any case has to be performed as per destiny! Actions happen there is no harm in it, but at least it should not have any impact on the innate self. The problem is not related to action; the body is meant for action; the human birth is for performing action-the problem is related to its reaction which keeps the embodied being entangled in the cycle of action. 'Tyaktva karmaphalsangam' actions are taking place; there is no attachment towards it, and resulting from this whatever is being done that is the blessing of the Lord. There is no insistence for it being favorable or unfavorable, no clinging to it. whatever is there is the blessings of the Lord.
'Nityatripto' permanent contentment can be attained only by abiding in the eternal. From the ever changing world the permanent contentment is not possible. The state of 'Shanaye tushthah shanaye rushtah' (one moment contentment and another moment frustration) is created due to dependence on the world. Because the world itself is ever changing, therefore, it can provide only fleeting pleasure, not everlasting contentment. Everlasting contentment is possible only when one is independent of the world and abiding in the Lord. So long as the dependence is on the world till then the mind which experiences contentment will not be totally devoted to the Lord. When the mind will not be concentrated in the Lord then how can there be contentment? But does this mean that one should abandon works? 'Karmanyabhipravrtto api' one will be performing actions well; the mind will not lean towards the world and that is why the mind will be totally immersed contentedly in the divine will.
The expectations of pleasures from the world, gives rise to attachments and desire for the fruits of action. When the fulfillment is attained in the Lord then only actions will ensue; neither there will be dependence on the world nor any hopes or expectations from it. Action is happening, but the absence of innate desire and attachment does away with any reactionary effects; the previous destiny is exhausted and further 'naiva kincitkaroti sah' (even by performing action he does nothing).