Bhagavad Gita 18.6 — Perform Even Sacred Duties Without Attachment to Their Fruits
एतान्यपि तु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा फलानि च ।
कर्तव्यानीति मे पार्थ निश्चितं मतमुत्तमम् ॥ १८.६ ॥
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But even these actions should be performed, giving up attachment and the fruits. This, O Arjuna, is My definite and supreme opinion.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| etāni | these |
| api | even |
| tu | but |
| karmāṇi | actions |
| saṅgam | attachment |
| tyaktvā | having given up |
| phalāni | fruits |
| cha | and |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| kartavyāni | ought to be performed |
| iti | thus |
| me | my |
| pārtha | O Arjuna, son of Pṛthā |
| niśhchitam | definite, settled |
| matam | opinion |
| uttamam | supreme, final |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| etāni | these | kartavyāni | ought to be performed |
| api | even | iti | thus |
| tu | but | me | my |
| karmāṇi | actions | pārtha | O Arjuna, son of Pṛthā |
| saṅgam | attachment | niśhchitam | definite, settled |
| tyaktvā | having given up | matam | opinion |
| phalāni | fruits | uttamam | supreme, final |
| cha | and | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna completes the thought of the previous verse. He says that even these sacred actions should be performed after giving up attachment and the desire for their fruits, and He calls this His definite and supreme conclusion.
Essence
The secret is in the spirit
Lord Krishna has just said that yajña, dāna and tapas must continue. Now He adds the condition that makes them truly liberating: saṅgaṁ tyaktvā phalāni ca, giving up attachment and the fruits.
Saṅga (attachment to the action): A person may perform a noble act and still be attached to it, taking pride in being the one who does it. Such attachment turns even charity into a vehicle for ego.
Phala (the fruit): A person may give or sacrifice while secretly expecting recognition, merit, or reward. This expectation turns the act into a transaction.
Niścitaṁ matam uttamam (My definite and supreme view): By using these words, Lord Krishna indicates that this is the heart of the matter. The renunciation that matters is not the renunciation of good actions, but the renunciation of ego-attachment and expectation within good actions.
How this resolves the earlier debate
The first group had said that action is faulty and should be abandoned. The second group had said that sacred action must be kept. Lord Krishna shows that both are partly right. The fault lies not in the action but in the attachment to it. Remove the attachment, and the action no longer binds. The sacred actions can then continue, because they now purify without entangling.
Message for Everyday Life (Good Deeds Without a Ledger)
It is easy to do good while keeping a silent ledger of what we are owed in return, such as gratitude, praise, or advantage.
A simple test: If your generosity turns into resentment when it goes unnoticed, the fruit was still being held. Practise doing at least one good act quietly each day, without telling anyone.
Freedom in giving: When we let go of the ledger, we discover that the action itself is complete and satisfying.
The secret is in the spirit
Lord Krishna has just said that yajña, dāna and tapas must continue. Now He adds the condition that makes them truly liberating: saṅgaṁ tyaktvā phalāni ca, giving up attachment and the fruits.
Saṅga (attachment to the action): A person may perform a noble act and still be attached to it, taking pride in being the one who does it. Such attachment turns even charity into a vehicle for ego.
Phala (the fruit): A person may give or sacrifice while secretly expecting recognition, merit, or reward. This expectation turns the act into a transaction.
Niścitaṁ matam uttamam (My definite and supreme view): By using these words, Lord Krishna indicates that this is the heart of the matter. The renunciation that matters is not the renunciation of good actions, but the renunciation of ego-attachment and expectation within good actions.
How this resolves the earlier debate
The first group had said that action is faulty and should be abandoned. The second group had said that sacred action must be kept. Lord Krishna shows that both are partly right. The fault lies not in the action but in the attachment to it. Remove the attachment, and the action no longer binds. The sacred actions can then continue, because they now purify without entangling.
Message for Everyday Life (Good Deeds Without a Ledger)
It is easy to do good while keeping a silent ledger of what we are owed in return, such as gratitude, praise, or advantage.
A simple test: If your generosity turns into resentment when it goes unnoticed, the fruit was still being held. Practise doing at least one good act quietly each day, without telling anyone.
Freedom in giving: When we let go of the ledger, we discover that the action itself is complete and satisfying.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has established that necessary actions are to be done without attachment or expectation. He now turns to the three kinds of <em>tyāga</em>, beginning in the next verse with the lowest, the renunciation that arises from delusion.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Hold your work firmly, and your reward lightly.
The less you cling, the more calmly you serve.
Doing your best is enough; controlling the result is not your task.
Attention on action leaves no room for needless worry.
Faith in the process steadies the restless mind.
A mind free from expectation is hard to disturb.
Detachment is not coldness; it is clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'saṅgam' (attachment) mean in this verse?
Why should one give up 'phalāni' (fruits) when performing actions?
Why does Krishna say 'kartavyāni' (ought to be performed) about these actions?
What does 'niśhchitam matam uttamam' (definite, supreme opinion) show about this teaching?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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