Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 18 · Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 18.23 नियतं सङ्गरहितमरागद्वेषतः कृतम्
श्लोक 18.23
नियतं सङ्गरहितमरागद्वेषतः कृतम् ।
अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत्तत्सात्त्विकमुच्यते ॥
niyataṃ saṅgarahitamarāgadveṣataḥ kṛtam |
aphalaprepsunā karma yattatsāttvikamucyate ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो कर्म शास्त्र-नियत हो, आसक्ति के बिना, राग-द्वेष से रहित होकर, फल की इच्छा न रखने वाले द्वारा किया जाए, वह सात्त्विक कहलाता है।
Meaning in English
Action that is prescribed, done without attachment, without liking or dislike, by one who does not crave its fruit, is called sattvic.
Bhagavad Gita 18.23 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| नियतम् | niyatam | prescribed, regulated |
| सङ्गरहितम् | saṅga-rahitam | free from attachment |
| अरागद्वेषतः | arāga-dveṣataḥ | without liking or aversion |
| कृतम् | kṛtam | done |
| अफलप्रेप्सुना | aphala-prepsunā | by one not seeking fruit |
| कर्म | karma | action |
| यत् | yat | which |
| तत् | tat | that |
| सात्त्विकम् | sāttvikam | sattvic |
| उच्यते | ucyate | is called |
Explanation
Action that is proper and regulated, done without attachment, without liking or aversion, by one who does not crave its fruit, is called sattvic. It is calm, purposeful work, done because it is right rather than because it gratifies. Its quality lies in the motive behind it.
Krishna now turns to the three kinds of action. The marks of sattvic action restate the core teaching of karma-yoga from chapters 2 and 3. Shankara and Ramanuja both read niyata as duty appropriate to one's station. Gandhi and Vinoba often pointed to this verse as a description of ideal service, where the worker is neither driven by reward nor swayed by personal preference.
भावार्थ
जो कर्म शास्त्रविहित है, आसक्ति से रहित है, राग-द्वेष के बिना और फल की इच्छा न रखने वाले द्वारा किया जाता है, वह सात्त्विक कहा जाता है।
Living it today
Pick one task today and do it without rushing, resenting or chasing praise. Notice how much lighter it feels.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 18.23?
Action that is proper and regulated, done without attachment, without liking or aversion, by one who does not crave its fruit, is called sattvic. It is calm, purposeful work, done because it is right rather than because it gratifies. Its quality lies in the motive behind it.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 18.23?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 18 (Moksha Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.23 in daily life?
Pick one task today and do it without rushing, resenting or chasing praise. Notice how much lighter it feels.
Reflected on verse 18.23?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.