Karmanye Vaadhika-raste,
Maa Phaleshu Kadachana;
Maa karma-phala-hetur-bhoorma,
MaTe sangostwakarmini.
कर्मणये वाधिकारस्ते मां फलेषु कदाचन । मां कर्मफलहेतुर्भू: मांते संङगोस्त्वकर्मणि ।।
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter II, Verse 47.
Summary of the Bhagavad Gita
Your right is to work only,
But never to its fruits;
Let not the fruits of action be thy motive,
Nor let thy attachment be to inaction.
This famous verse contains the essential principle of disinterestedness or detachment. It cautions us that our natural tendency while doing our work is to be deflected from disinterestedness - particularly if we think of fame or fortune along the way. The will of God is supreme, and the fulfillment of that will is all that matters. Success or failure does not depend on the individual, but on other factors as well.
We must work with a perfect serenity - steadfast in inner composure (yogasthah) - indifferent to the results. He who acts by virtue of an inner law is on a higher level than one whose action is dictated by his whims and emotions. It is the true inner poise (samatvam) and self-mastery. It is the true conquest of anger, sensitiveness, pride and ambition. It is the true yoga. Those who purse this wisdom go to the region of the Gods.
Listen to the Geeta Mantra (mp3 348K, 22sec) Download a rendition of the Geeta Mantra in mp3 format from the "Chants of India" CD by Ravi Shankar.
- Rudolph Steiner
- "In order to approach a creation as sublime as the Bhagavad-Gita with full understanding it is necessary to attune our soul to it."
- Sri Aurobindo
- "The Bhagavad-Gita is a true scripture of the human race a living creation rather than a book, with a new message for every age and a new meaning for every civilization."
- Prime Minister Nehru
- "The Bhagavad-Gita deals essentially with the spiritual foundation of human existence. It is a call of action to meet the obligations and duties of life; yet keeping in view the spiritual nature and grander purpose of the universe."
- Adi Shankara
- "From a clear knowledge of the Bhagavad-Gita all the goals of human existence become fulfilled. Bhagavad-Gita is the manifest quintessence of all the teachings of the Vedic scriptures."
