Chapter 4, Verse 20
Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
tyaktvā—having given up; karma-phala-āsaṅgam—attachment to the fruits of action; nitya—always; tṛiptaḥ—satisfied; nirāśhrayaḥ—without dependence; karmaṇi—in activities; abhipravṛittaḥ—engaged; api—despite; na—not; eva—certainly; kiñchit—anything; karoti—do; saḥ—that person
English translation
Having abandoned attachment to the fruits of the action, ever content, depending on nothing, he does not do anything even while being engaged in activity.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 4.20
Commentary
The same idea of inaction in action is repeated here to produce a deep impression on the minds of the aspirants. He who works for the wellbeing of the world and he who performs actions without egoism and attachment for the fruits; to set an example to the masses; really does nothing at all though he is ever engaged in activity; as he possesses the knowledge of the Self which is beyond all activity and as he has realised his identity with It. As Brahman the Absolute is selfcontained; all the desires are gratified if one realises the Self. He is ever satisfied and does not depend on anything; just as a man who has the favour of the king does not depend on the minister or the government official for anything. (Cf. IV.41)
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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