Chapter 18, Verse 26
Moksha Sanyaas Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
mukta-saṅgaḥ—free from worldly attachment; anaham-vādī—free from ego; dhṛiti—strong resolve; utsāha—zeal; samanvitaḥ—endowed with; siddhi-asiddhyoḥ—in success and failure; nirvikāraḥ—unaffected; kartā—worker; sāttvikaḥ—in the mode of goodness; uchyate—is said to be
English translation
An agent who is free from attachment, non-egoistic, endowed with firmness and enthusiasm, and unaffected by success or failure, is considered to be of a Sattvic (pure) nature.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 18.26
Commentary
A pure agent does his actions with his whole heart without feeling proud at the performance. He looks for the proper time and place and in accordance with the behests of the scriptures determines whether such actions are worth doing or not. He develops courage and a powerful will. He never seeks physical comforts. He is quite prepared to sacrifice his life for a noble cause. He is neither elated by success nor grieved by failure. He always keeps a balanced mind when he does any action. O Arjuna; that man is a pure agent who; while working; exhibits such qualities. Siddhi Success attainment of the fruit of action performed. Nirvikarah Unaffected as having been urged to act merely by the authority of the scriptures; not by a desire for the sake of the reward. Now I will tell thee; O Arjuna; of the characteristics of a passionate agent.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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