Bhagavad Gita: Understanding One Shloka at a time. (Chp. 4, Verse 20) — HBR Patel

Trying to understand Bhagavad Gita, one Shloka at a time…

त्यक्त्वा कर्मफलासङ्गं नित्यतृप्तो निराश्रय: |
कर्मण्यभिप्रवृत्तोऽपि नैव किञ्चित्करोति स: || 20||

After giving up attachment for fruitive results, always content and indifferent to external phenomena, he never does anything, inspite of engaged in activities.

Actions become inaction, the doers become non-doers when the minds of such enlightened persons are absorbed in Bhagwan, as pointed out from this and the previous shloka.

The quality of such an enlightened soul can be derived from the shloka as follows:

1. Abandonment of attachment to the fruits of work: Someone who has transcended the desire for personal gain or reward from their actions as they have surrendered every essence of their existence to the Bhagwan. They perform their duties selflessly keeping the Bhagwan in the centre and without expecting any specific outcomes or benefits.
2. Eternal satisfaction in the Self: They experience a state of profound contentment and fulfilment within themselves. They have realized their true nature as the eternal Self or Atman and derive lasting satisfaction from this realization, irrespective of external circumstances.
3. Independence and sole reliance on the Self: Being self-reliant, they find their ultimate refuge in the Atman or Self. They do not depend on external objects, situations, or relationships for their happiness or well-being. They know that the happiness gained from temporary and finite materialistic possession will be temporary and finite. Whereas the bliss experienced in the company of the Bhagwan is infinite. Their sense of fulfilment is derived solely from their connection with the Bhagwan that resides within and in every corner of the universe and beyond.

The Karmayoga teaches us to cultivate selflessness and reduce attachment to the results of our actions. By letting go of attachment to the fruits of their actions, individuals can free themselves from the fluctuations of joy and sorrow that come from being solely result-oriented.

Karmayoga helps us transcend the limitations of ego, desire, and dependency, and reside in a state of profound peace, selflessness, and inner fulfilment.