Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 18 · Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 18.6 एतान्यपि तु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा फलानि
श्लोक 18.6
एतान्यपि तु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा फलानि च ।
कर्तव्यानीति मे पार्थ निश्चितं मतमुत्तमम् ॥
etānyapi tu karmāṇi saṅgaṃ tyaktvā phalāni ca |
kartavyānīti me pārtha niścitaṃ matamuttamam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
परंतु इन कर्मों को भी आसक्ति और फल की इच्छा छोड़कर ही करना चाहिए। हे पार्थ! यही मेरा निश्चित और उत्तम मत है।
Meaning in English
But even these actions should be performed giving up attachment and the desire for their fruits. This, O Partha, is my firm and highest view.
Bhagavad Gita 18.6 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| एतानि | etāni | these |
| अपि तु | api tu | but even |
| कर्माणि | karmāṇi | actions |
| सङ्गम् | saṅgam | attachment |
| त्यक्त्वा | tyaktvā | having given up |
| फलानि | phalāni | fruits |
| च | ca | and |
| कर्तव्यानि | kartavyāni | should be performed |
| इति | iti | thus |
| मे | me | my |
| पार्थ | pārtha | O son of Pritha |
| निश्चितम् | niścitam | settled |
| मतम् | matam | view |
| उत्तमम् | uttamam | highest, best |
Explanation
Even these good works, Krishna adds, should be done after giving up attachment to them and to their results. This, he says, is my firm and best judgement. Sacrifice, charity and austerity are to be continued, but in the right spirit — without clinging and without bargaining for rewards.
The verse completes 18.5 and gives Krishna's definition of true tyaga: not dropping action but dropping attachment and the craving for fruit. It restates the teaching of 2.47 and 3.19. Shankara applies it to the seeker who is purifying the mind; Ramanuja applies it to all, adding that one should also give up the sense of being the sole doer. Tilak saw this verse as the decisive statement of karma-yoga, and Aurobindo as the turning of every act into an offering.
भावार्थ
हे पार्थ, इन कर्मों को भी आसक्ति और फल की इच्छा त्यागकर करना चाहिए — यह मेरा निश्चित और उत्तम मत है।
Living it today
Keep doing the good things you do, but drop the scorecard. Help without waiting for thanks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 18.6?
Even these good works, Krishna adds, should be done after giving up attachment to them and to their results. This, he says, is my firm and best judgement. Sacrifice, charity and austerity are to be continued, but in the right spirit — without clinging and without bargaining for rewards.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 18.6?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 18 (Moksha Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.6 in daily life?
Keep doing the good things you do, but drop the scorecard. Help without waiting for thanks.
Reflected on verse 18.6?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.