Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.18
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म यः । स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत् ॥१८॥
karmaṇyakarma yaḥ paśyedakarmaṇi ca karma yaḥ | sa buddhimānmanuṣyeṣu sa yuktaḥ kṛtsnakarmakṛt ||18||
Complete Shloka Translation
One who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is wise among people, established in yoga, and a doer of all action.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कर्मणि | karmaṇi | in bodily action |
| अकर्म | akarma | inaction / the unmoving Self |
| यः | yaḥ | whoever |
| पश्येत् | paśyet | sees / perceives |
| अकर्मणि च | akarmaṇi ca | and in inaction |
| कर्म | karma | action (mental activity) |
| यः | yaḥ | who |
| सः | saḥ | he alone |
| बुद्धिमान् | buddhimān | is truly wise and discerning |
| मनुष्येषु | manuṣyeṣu | among all human beings |
| सः युक्तः | saḥ yuktaḥ | he is a genuine yogi |
| कृत्स्न-कर्म-कृत् | kṛtsna-karma-kṛt | a performer of all required actions |
in bodily action
inaction / the unmoving Self
whoever
sees / perceives
and in inaction
action (mental activity)
who
he alone
is truly wise and discerning
among all human beings
he is a genuine yogi
a performer of all required actions
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This paradox concerns insight into agency, not a denial of visible activity. The following verses describe knowledge and nonattachment; traditions explain the self's non-agency in different ways.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"An outward pause may still contain desire, while active service can be free of possessiveness."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Can you notice desire during inactivity or freedom during useful work?
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.