Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.15
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
एवं ज्ञात्वा कृतं कर्म पूर्वैरपि मुमुक्षुभिः । कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वं पूर्वैः पूर्वतरं कृतम् ॥१५॥
evaṃ jñātvā kṛtaṃ karma pūrvairapi mumukṣubhiḥ | kuru karmaiva tasmāttvaṃ pūrvaiḥ pūrvataraṃ kṛtam ||15||
Complete Shloka Translation
Knowing this, earlier seekers of liberation also acted. Therefore perform action, as those earlier seekers did in former times.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| मुमुक्षुभिः | mumukṣubhiḥ | by seekers of liberation |
| कुरु | kuru | perform |
| एवं | evaṃ | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
| ज्ञात्वा | jñātvā | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
| कृतं | kṛtaṃ | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
| कर्म | karma | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
| पूर्वैरपि | pūrvairapi | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
| कर्मैव | karmaiva | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
| तस्मात्त्वं | tasmāttvaṃ | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
| पूर्वैः | pūrvaiḥ | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
| पूर्वतरं | pūrvataraṃ | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
| कृतम् | kṛtam | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
| १५ | kṛtam | [term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ... |
by seekers of liberation
perform
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
[term] in context of Knowing this, earlier seekers ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Liberation-seeking did not make the earlier seekers abandon action. Krishna asks Arjuna to join that example of informed, unattached work.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Understanding can guide engagement rather than withdrawal."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Whose example helps you combine understanding with action?
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.