Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.16
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
किं कर्म किमकर्मेति कवयोऽप्यत्र मोहिताः । तत्ते कर्म प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् ॥१६॥
kiṃ karma kimakarmeti kavayo'pyatra mohitāḥ | tatte karma pravakṣyāmi yajjñātvā mokṣyase'śubhāt ||16||
Complete Shloka Translation
Even the wise are confused about what action is and what inaction is. I will explain action to you; knowing it, you will be freed from evil.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कर्म | karma | action |
| अकर्म | akarma | inaction or nonbinding action |
| किं | kiṃ | [term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo... |
| किमकर्मेति | kimakarmeti | [term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo... |
| कवयोऽप्यत्र | kavayo'pyatra | [term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo... |
| मोहिताः | mohitāḥ | [term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo... |
| तत्ते | tatte | [term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo... |
| प्रवक्ष्यामि | pravakṣyāmi | [term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo... |
| यज्ज्ञात्वा | yajjñātvā | [term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo... |
| मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् | mokṣyase'śubhāt | [term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo... |
| १६ | mokṣyase'śubhāt | [term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo... |
action
inaction or nonbinding action
[term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo...
[term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo...
[term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo...
[term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo...
[term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo...
[term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo...
[term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo...
[term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo...
[term] in context of Even the wise are confused abo...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Outward activity alone does not settle whether action binds. Krishna introduces a distinction that requires attention to knowledge, intention, and attachment.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Recognizing complexity is a step toward clearer judgment."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What makes a seemingly simple decision spiritually complex?
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.