Chapter 2, Verse 47
Sankhya Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
karmaṇi—in prescribed duties; eva—only; adhikāraḥ—right; te—your; mā—not; phaleṣhu—in the fruits; kadāchana—at any time; mā—never; karma-phala—results of the activities; hetuḥ—cause; bhūḥ—be; mā—not; te—your; saṅgaḥ—attachment; astu—must be; akarmaṇi—in inaction
English translation
Your right is only to work, but not to its results; do not let the results of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 2.47
Commentary
When you perform actions have no desire for the fruits thereof under any circumstances. If you thirst for the fruits of your actions; you will have to take birth again and again to enjoy them. Action done with expectation of fruits (rewards) brings bondage. If you do not thirst for them; you get purification of heart and you will get knowledge of the Self through purity of heart and through the knowledge of the Self you will be freed from the round of births and deaths. Neither let thy attachment be towards inaction thinking what is the use of doing actions when I cannot get any reward for themIn a broad sense Karma means action. It also means duty which one has to perform according to his caste or station of life. According to the followers of the Karma Kanda of the Vedas (the Mimamsakas) Karma means the rituals and sacrifices prescribed in the Vedas. It has a deep meaning also. It signifies the destiny or the storehouse of tendencies of a man which give rise to his future birth.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
Simple Meaning
You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor become attached to inaction.
Context & Background
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna is overwhelmed by grief and fear of consequence. Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna on Karma Yoga—the science of action without attachment.
Key Philosophical Teaching
Focus entirely on the quality and integrity of your work rather than worrying about outcomes. Detachment from results frees the mind from anxiety, fear of failure, and procrastination.
Practical Application
In work, study, or daily life: give 100% effort to your current task. Once effort is expended, accept the outcome calmly (Prasada Buddhi) without letting anxiety undermine your performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BG 2.47 mean results do not matter at all?
No. Results matter, but worrying about results while working creates mental anxiety and weakens performance. True mastery comes from giving total focus to the effort while remaining mentally balanced regardless of the outcome.
How can I apply BG 2.47 at work or during exams?
Prepare thoroughly and execute your tasks with dedication. Once your test or project is submitted, let go of obsessive worrying and trust that your sincere effort produces its natural result.
Related Verses
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