Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.1
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अनाश्रितः कर्मफलं कार्यं कर्म करोति यः । स संन्यासी च योगी च न निरग्निर्न चाक्रियः ॥१॥
anāśritaḥ karmaphalaṃ kāryaṃ karma karoti yaḥ | sa saṃnyāsī ca yogī ca na niragnirna cākriyaḥ ||1||
Complete Shloka Translation
One who performs the work that ought to be done without depending on its fruit is both a renunciant and a yogi—not merely one without sacred fire or action.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कार्यं कर्म | kāryaṃ karma | work that ought to be done |
| अनाश्रितः | anāśritaḥ | not dependent |
| कर्मफलं | karmaphalaṃ | [term] in context of One who performs the work that... |
| कार्यं | kāryaṃ | [term] in context of One who performs the work that... |
| कर्म | karma | [term] in context of One who performs the work that... |
| करोति | karoti | [term] in context of One who performs the work that... |
| यः | yaḥ | [term] in context of One who performs the work that... |
| संन्यासी | sa | [term] in context of One who performs the work that... |
| योगी | saṃnyāsī | [term] in context of One who performs the work that... |
| निरग्निर्न | ca | [term] in context of One who performs the work that... |
| चाक्रियः | yogī | [term] in context of One who performs the work that... |
work that ought to be done
not dependent
[term] in context of One who performs the work that...
[term] in context of One who performs the work that...
[term] in context of One who performs the work that...
[term] in context of One who performs the work that...
[term] in context of One who performs the work that...
[term] in context of One who performs the work that...
[term] in context of One who performs the work that...
[term] in context of One who performs the work that...
[term] in context of One who performs the work that...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna continues Chapter 5's account of renunciation through action. External signs alone do not establish freedom from attachment.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Inner renunciation can accompany faithful attention to responsibility."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which responsibility could you meet with less attachment to reward?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master mental clarity and resilience: when your mind wanders into anxiety or distraction, gently bring it back without judgment, maintaining balance in food, sleep, work, and mindful reflection.