Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 4 · Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 4.18 कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म
श्लोक 4.18
कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म यः ।
स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत् ॥
karmaṇyakarma yaḥ paśyedakarmaṇi ca karma yaḥ |
sa buddhimānmanuṣyeṣu sa yuktaḥ kṛtsnakarmakṛt ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो मनुष्य कर्म में अकर्म और अकर्म में कर्म देखता है, वही मनुष्यों में बुद्धिमान है। वही योगी है और सब कर्मों को पूर्ण करने वाला है।
Meaning in English
One who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is wise among people. Such a person is a yogi who has accomplished all work.
Bhagavad Gita 4.18 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कर्मणि | karmaṇi | in action |
| अकर्म | akarma | inaction |
| यः पश्येत् | yaḥ paśyet | one who sees |
| अकर्मणि | akarmaṇi | in inaction |
| च कर्म | ca karma | and action |
| सः बुद्धिमान् | saḥ buddhimān | that person is wise |
| मनुष्येषु | manuṣyeṣu | among people |
| सः युक्तः | saḥ yuktaḥ | that person is a yogi |
| कृत्स्नकर्मकृत् | kṛtsna-karma-kṛt | though performing all actions |
Explanation
One who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is wise among people; such a person is a yogi, even while performing every kind of work.
The paradox means this: a person who acts without ego and attachment is inwardly at rest, so their action is like non-action — it does not bind. And outward idleness, when it comes from craving or avoidance, is really a kind of action with consequences. True renunciation is inner; it is not a matter of stopping work.
भावार्थ
जो कर्म में अकर्म और अकर्म में कर्म देखता है, वही मनुष्यों में बुद्धिमान है; वही योगी है और सब कर्मों को करने वाला है।
Living it today
Work hard, but keep a quiet mind within. That inner stillness — not outward idleness — is real rest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 4.18?
One who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is wise among people; such a person is a yogi, even while performing every kind of work.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 4.18?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 4 (Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 4.18 in daily life?
Work hard, but keep a quiet mind within. That inner stillness — not outward idleness — is real rest.
Reflected on verse 4.18?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.