4.20 tyaktvā karma-phalāsaṅgaṁ (Original)

SrI:  SrImathE SatakOpAya nama:  SrImathE rAmAnujAya nama:  SrImath varavaramunayE nama:

Chapter 4

<< Chapter 4 verse 19

Simple

tyaktvā karma-phalāsaṅgaṁ
nitya-tṛpto nirāśrayaḥ
karmaṇy abhipravṛtto ’pi
naiva kiñcit karoti saḥ

‘Whoso is dissociated from works’ fruit, ever self-contented, and self-reliant, though he engage in work, never doth anything.’

Whoso has abandoned all connection with fruit of works, whoso is nitya-tṛipta (ever content), i.e., ever content in the eternal ātma;

Whoso is nirāśraya (self-reliant), i.e., who does not depend on matter (prakṛiti);

Though such a man may act and seem to be ever so intent therein, he does no act (i.e., an act which would have a binding effect), for, though what ostensibly seems as if he does work, he is inwardly really cultivating knowledge (or wisdom).

The wisdom-aspect of work is further examined:—

>> Chapter 4 verse 21

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