Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.41
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
योगसंन्यस्तकर्माणं ज्ञानसञ्छिन्नसंशयम् । आत्मवन्तं न कर्माणि निबध्नन्ति धनञ्जय ॥४१॥
yogasaṃnyastakarmāṇaṃ jñānasañchinnasaṃśayam | ātmavantaṃ na karmāṇi nibadhnanti dhanañjaya ||41||
Complete Shloka Translation
Actions do not bind one who has renounced them through yoga, whose doubts have been cut by knowledge, and who is self-possessed, Dhananjaya.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| आत्मवन्तम् | ātmavantam | self-possessed |
| निबध्नन्ति | nibadhnanti | bind |
| योगसंन्यस्तकर्माणं | yogasaṃnyastakarmāṇaṃ | [term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha... |
| ज्ञानसञ्छिन्नसंशयम् | jñānasañchinnasaṃśayam | [term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha... |
| आत्मवन्तं | ātmavantaṃ | [term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha... |
| कर्माणि | na | [term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha... |
| धनञ्जय | nibadhnanti | [term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha... |
| ४१ | dhanañjaya | [term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha... |
self-possessed
bind
[term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha...
[term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha...
[term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha...
[term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha...
[term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha...
[term] in context of Actions do not bind one who ha...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Yoga-based renunciation and knowledge are brought together rather than opposed. The self-possessed person acts without the attachment and doubt that create bondage.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Steady action becomes possible when understanding resolves inner confusion."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What understanding could help you act with less inner conflict?
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.