Bhagavad Gita · Verse 3.4
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
न कर्मणामनारम्भान्नैष्कर्म्यं पुरुषोऽश्नुते । न च संन्यसनादेव सिद्धिं समधिगच्छति ॥४॥
na karmaṇāmanārambhānnaiṣkarmyaṃ puruṣo'śnute | na ca saṃnyasanādeva siddhiṃ samadhigacchati ||4||
Complete Shloka Translation
A person does not attain freedom from action merely by never beginning actions, nor reach fulfillment through renunciation alone.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| नैष्कर्म्यम् | naiṣkarmyam | freedom from binding action |
| संन्यसनात् | saṃnyasanāt | through renunciation |
| कर्मणामनारम्भान्नैष्कर्म्यं | na | [term] in context of A person does not attain freed... |
| पुरुषोऽश्नुते | karmaṇāmanārambhānnaiṣkarmyaṃ | [term] in context of A person does not attain freed... |
| संन्यसनादेव | puruṣo'śnute | [term] in context of A person does not attain freed... |
| सिद्धिं | na | [term] in context of A person does not attain freed... |
| समधिगच्छति | ca | [term] in context of A person does not attain freed... |
freedom from binding action
through renunciation
[term] in context of A person does not attain freed...
[term] in context of A person does not attain freed...
[term] in context of A person does not attain freed...
[term] in context of A person does not attain freed...
[term] in context of A person does not attain freed...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Naishkarmya names freedom from action's binding character. Krishna challenges the assumption that simply stopping work or adopting renunciation produces that freedom.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Outward inactivity is different from freedom from karmic bondage."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What is the difference between avoiding a task and becoming less attached while doing it?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse in your daily career and work life: discharge your responsibilities wholeheartedly as an act of service and social welfare, freeing your mind from selfish anxiety and burnout.