Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.17
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मणः । अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गतिः ॥१७॥
karmaṇo hyapi boddhavyaṃ boddhavyaṃ ca vikarmaṇaḥ | akarmaṇaśca boddhavyaṃ gahanā karmaṇo gatiḥ ||17||
Complete Shloka Translation
Action must be understood, forbidden action must be understood, and inaction must be understood. The course of action is profound.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| विकर्म | vikarma | forbidden or wrongful action |
| गहना | gahanā | profound or difficult to fathom |
| कर्मणो | karmaṇo | [term] in context of Action must be understood, for... |
| ह्यपि | hyapi | [term] in context of Action must be understood, for... |
| बोद्धव्यं | boddhavyaṃ | [term] in context of Action must be understood, for... |
| विकर्मणः | ca | [term] in context of Action must be understood, for... |
| अकर्मणश्च | vikarmaṇaḥ | [term] in context of Action must be understood, for... |
| गतिः | karmaṇo | [term] in context of Action must be understood, for... |
| १७ | gatiḥ | [term] in context of Action must be understood, for... |
forbidden or wrongful action
profound or difficult to fathom
[term] in context of Action must be understood, for...
[term] in context of Action must be understood, for...
[term] in context of Action must be understood, for...
[term] in context of Action must be understood, for...
[term] in context of Action must be understood, for...
[term] in context of Action must be understood, for...
[term] in context of Action must be understood, for...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Karma, vikarma, and akarma are related but distinct terms. Their moral and spiritual significance cannot be reduced to movement versus stillness.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Careful judgment considers what to do, what to avoid, and why."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What should you understand before choosing to act or refrain?
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.