Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.14
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
न मां कर्माणि लिम्पन्ति न मे कर्मफले स्पृहा । इति मां योऽभिजानाति कर्मभिर्न स बध्यते ॥१४॥
na māṃ karmāṇi limpanti na me karmaphale spṛhā | iti māṃ yo'bhijānāti karmabhirna sa badhyate ||14||
Complete Shloka Translation
Actions do not stain me, nor do I crave their fruits. One who knows me in this way is not bound by actions.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| लिम्पन्ति | limpanti | stain or attach to |
| स्पृहा | spṛhā | craving |
| मां | na | [term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d... |
| कर्माणि | māṃ | [term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d... |
| मे | limpanti | [term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d... |
| कर्मफले | na | [term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d... |
| इति | karmaphale | [term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d... |
| योऽभिजानाति | iti | [term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d... |
| कर्मभिर्न | māṃ | [term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d... |
| बध्यते | yo'bhijānāti | [term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d... |
| १४ | karmabhirna | [term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d... |
stain or attach to
craving
[term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d...
[term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d...
[term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d...
[term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d...
[term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d...
[term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d...
[term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d...
[term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d...
[term] in context of Actions do not stain me, nor d...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna explains the non-agency stated in 4.13 through freedom from craving. Understanding this provides a model for action without karmic bondage.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Acting without possessiveness can loosen attachment to rewards."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What would change if you did your work without craving recognition?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.