Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.21
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
निराशीर्यतचित्तात्मा त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः । शारीरं केवलं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम् ॥२१॥
nirāśīryatacittātmā tyaktasarvaparigrahaḥ | śārīraṃ kevalaṃ karma kurvannāpnoti kilbiṣam ||21||
Complete Shloka Translation
Without expectations, with mind and self controlled, and having abandoned all possessiveness, one who performs only bodily action incurs no sin.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| परिग्रह | parigraha | possessive accumulation |
| किल्बिषम् | kilbiṣam | sin or fault |
| निराशीर्यतचित्तात्मा | nirāśīryatacittātmā | [term] in context of Without expectations, with min... |
| त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः | tyaktasarvaparigrahaḥ | [term] in context of Without expectations, with min... |
| शारीरं | śārīraṃ | [term] in context of Without expectations, with min... |
| केवलं | kevalaṃ | [term] in context of Without expectations, with min... |
| कर्म | karma | [term] in context of Without expectations, with min... |
| कुर्वन्नाप्नोति | kurvannāpnoti | [term] in context of Without expectations, with min... |
| २१ | kilbiṣam | [term] in context of Without expectations, with min... |
possessive accumulation
sin or fault
[term] in context of Without expectations, with min...
[term] in context of Without expectations, with min...
[term] in context of Without expectations, with min...
[term] in context of Without expectations, with min...
[term] in context of Without expectations, with min...
[term] in context of Without expectations, with min...
[term] in context of Without expectations, with min...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This describes a restrained renunciant's life, with bodily action understood as maintaining the body. It is not a blanket exemption from responsibility for harmful conduct.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Simple needs and disciplined attention can lessen possessiveness."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which unnecessary possession or expectation could you reconsider?
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.