Bhagavad Gita 5.10 — Actions Offered to Brahman Do Not Create Bondage
ब्रह्मण्याधाय कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा करोति यः ।
लिप्यते न स पापेन पद्मपत्रमिवाम्भसा ॥ ५.१० ॥
One who performs all actions as an offering to God, abandoning attachment and possessiveness, does not become bound by karmic impurity. Such a person remains untouched by the effects of action, just as a lotus leaf remains unwetted even while resting upon water.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| brahmaṇi | unto Brahman |
| ādhāya | offering, dedicating |
| karmāṇi | all actions |
| saṅgam | attachment |
| tyaktvā | having abandoned |
| karoti | performs |
| yaḥ | who |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| lipyate | is affected, tainted |
| na | not |
| saḥ | he |
| pāpena | by sin |
| padmapatram | a lotus leaf |
| iva | like |
| ambhasā | by water |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| brahmaṇi | unto Brahman | lipyate | is affected, tainted |
| ādhāya | offering, dedicating | na | not |
| karmāṇi | all actions | saḥ | he |
| saṅgam | attachment | pāpena | by sin |
| tyaktvā | having abandoned | padmapatram | a lotus leaf |
| karoti | performs | iva | like |
| yaḥ | who | ambhasā | by water |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna explains the highest ideal of Karma Yoga through a beautiful metaphor. He shows how a person who acts without attachment can remain untouched by worldly impurities while fully participating in life.
Essence
The secret of inner detachment
In this verse, Lord Krishna presents two principles that transform ordinary work into a spiritual practice.
Brahmaṇy ādhāya karmāṇi: This does not mean giving up action. Rather, it means performing every action as an offering to the Supreme. When a person recognizes that their abilities, intelligence, and opportunities are gifts from the Divine, actions are no longer driven by ego.
Saṅgaṁ tyaktvā: The essence of Karma Yoga is to let go of attachment to the results of one's actions. A Karma Yogi gives their best effort but does not allow success or failure to disturb inner peace.
The lotus leaf analogy: A lotus leaf grows in water, yet water never clings to it. Likewise, a Karma Yogi lives amidst the world, fulfilling responsibilities and facing countless situations, but does not allow them to stain or burden the heart.
Message for our lives
This verse teaches the art of remaining inwardly free while living an active life.
Live in the world without letting the world live in you: Having responsibilities, running a business, caring for a family, or contributing to society is not an obstacle to spiritual growth. The real obstacle is allowing external circumstances to control our inner peace.
A practical approach: When we work with complete dedication while gracefully accepting whatever results come, success does not inflate the ego, and failure does not break the spirit. This is the true strength of Karma Yoga.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has explained how freedom from attachment protects a person from the impurities of action. The next verse reveals the deeper purpose for which a Karma Yogi performs every action.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Like the lotus leaf, remain in the world without being soaked by it.
Work becomes lighter when it is offered rather than possessed.
Attachment stains; dedication liberates.
A higher purpose purifies ordinary actions.
Offering transforms action into worship.
The less ownership you carry, the less burden you feel.
Inner freedom is possible even amid constant activity.