Chapter 18, Verse 23
Moksha Sanyaas Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
niyatam—in accordance with scriptures; saṅga-rahitam—free from attachment; arāga-dveṣhataḥ—free from attachment and aversion; kṛitam—done; aphala-prepsunā—without desire for rewards; karma—action; yat—which; tat—that; sāttvikam—in the mode of goodness; uchyate—is called
English translation
An action that is ordained, free from attachment, done without love or hatred, and without desire for reward is declared to be Sattvic.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 18.23
Commentary
Niyatam Ordained Obligatory. One is not excited to perform an obligatory action through love or hatred. This is a pure act. The performer of such pure action experiences great joy. He does his duty or any other work wholeheartedly not caring for the reward but offering it willingly at the feet of the Lord. He works in accordancw with the dictates of the scriptures. Now I will explain to thee; O Arjuna; the nature of action which is Rajasic or passionate. Do thou listen to Me with rapt attention.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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