yadṛichchhā-lābha-santuṣhṭo dvandvātīto vimatsaraḥ
samaḥ siddhāvasiddhau cha kṛitvāpi na nibadhyate||22||

Meaning : One who accepts gains without greed, who does not get disturbed by opposites like pleasure and pain, and who is free from jealousy, remains steady and unaffected. Even though they perform actions, they are not bound by karma because they do not cling to results or get attached to outcomes.

nirāśhīr yata-chittātmā tyakta-sarva-parigrahaḥ
śhārīraṁ kevalaṁ karma kurvan nāpnoti kilbiṣham||21||

Meaning : If someone is free from selfish desires, controls their mind, and gives up attachment to material things, then even though they act with their body, they do not create bad karma or sin. Their actions are pure because they are performed without attachment and selfish motives.

tyaktvā karma-phalāsaṅgaṁ nitya-tṛipto nirāśhrayaḥ
karmaṇyabhipravṛitto ’pi naiva kiñchit karoti saḥ||20||

Meaning : One who works without wanting rewards, who is always fulfilled and relies on nothing, is truly detached. Though they perform actions, their spirit remains untouched, like a lotus leaf that remains dry despite water. Such a person is not bound by karma because their actions do not create bondage.

yasya sarve samārambhāḥ kāma-saṅkalpa-varjitāḥ
jñānāgni-dagdha-karmāṇaṁ tam āhuḥ paṇḍitaṁ budhāḥ||19||

Meaning : A wise person acts without personal desire or attachment to results. Their actions are purified and transformed by knowledge and wisdom, like fire burning away impurities. Such a person is recognized as truly learned and enlightened.

karmaṇyakarma yaḥ paśhyed akarmaṇi cha karma yaḥ
sa buddhimān manuṣhyeṣhu sa yuktaḥ kṛitsna-karma-kṛit||18||

Meaning : True wisdom is seeing beyond the obvious — knowing that even when you seem inactive, some action is happening, and when you act, sometimes it can be like inaction. One who realizes this subtle truth is steady-minded and balanced in all activities, untouched by the binding effects of karma.

karmaṇo hyapi boddhavyaṁ boddhavyaṁ cha vikarmaṇaḥ
akarmaṇaśh cha boddhavyaṁ gahanā karmaṇo gatiḥ||17||

Meaning : It is important to clearly know the difference between right action, wrong action, and inaction. This distinction is subtle and profound, and understanding it properly is not easy. The nature of action and its consequences is complex, and only through true knowledge can one navigate this path wisely.

kiṁ karma kim akarmeti kavayo ’pyatra mohitāḥ
tat te karma pravakṣhyāmi yaj jñātvā mokṣhyase ’śhubhāt||16||

Meaning : Even the most learned and wise sometimes misunderstand what true action and inaction are. To clear this confusion, I will explain to you the real meaning of action. When you understand this clearly, you will be freed from the negative effects of wrong actions and spiritual ignorance.

evaṁ jñātvā kṛitaṁ karma pūrvair api mumukṣhubhiḥ
kuru karmaiva tasmāttvaṁ pūrvaiḥ pūrvataraṁ kṛitam||15||

Meaning : Knowing this truth, just like the seekers before you who desired liberation, you should perform your actions. Follow their example and do your duties selflessly and with focus, without attachment to the results. By acting this way, you walk the path of wisdom and freedom.

na māṁ karmāṇi limpanti na me karma-phale spṛihā
iti māṁ yo ’bhijānāti karmabhir na sa badhyate||14||

Meaning : I am the eternal Self who performs actions, but My actions never bind Me because I am beyond desire and attachment. I do what is necessary without craving results or outcomes. Whoever realizes this truth—that I act without attachment or desire—will not be bound by the consequences of their own actions. Understanding this frees a person from the cycle of karma and bondage.

chātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛiṣhṭaṁ guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśhaḥ
tasya kartāram api māṁ viddhyakartāram avyayam||13||

Meaning : I created the system of four social classes based on people’s natural qualities and the work they do. This division helps organize society so everyone can contribute according to their strengths and nature. Although I am the originator of this system, I am beyond all actions and classifications. I remain eternal and unaffected by these social roles. Remember, your duty should match your nature, but I transcend all worldly distinctions