Bhagavad Gita 5.12 — Renouncing the Fruits Brings Peace; Attachment to Them Brings Bondage
युक्तः कर्मफलं त्यक्त्वा शान्तिमाप्नोति नैष्ठिकीम् ।
अयुक्तः कामकारेण फले सक्तो निबध्यते ॥ ५.१२ ॥
A person established in Karma Yoga attains deep and lasting peace by renouncing attachment to the fruits of action. In contrast, one who is driven by personal desires becomes attached to outcomes and thereby falls into bondage and inner restlessness.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yuktaḥ | one established in Karma Yoga |
| karmaphalam | the fruits of actions |
| tyaktvā | having renounced |
| śāntim | peace |
| āpnoti | attains |
| naiṣṭhikīm | firm and lasting |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| ayuktaḥ | one not established in Yoga |
| kāmakāreṇa | driven by desire |
| phale | to the result |
| saktaḥ | attached |
| nibadhyate | becomes bound |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yuktaḥ | one established in Karma Yoga | ayuktaḥ | one not established in Yoga |
| karmaphalam | the fruits of actions | kāmakāreṇa | driven by desire |
| tyaktvā | having renounced | phale | to the result |
| śāntim | peace | saktaḥ | attached |
| āpnoti | attains | nibadhyate | becomes bound |
| naiṣṭhikīm | firm and lasting | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna compares two different approaches to action and the very different results they produce. He shows the contrast between the life of a Karma Yogi and that of a person driven by attachment to the fruits of action.
Essence
The science of peace and bondage
Here, Lord Krishna explains the true causes of inner peace and mental bondage by contrasting two kinds of people.
Yuktaḥ karma-phalaṁ tyaktvā: A Karma Yogi offers the fruits of all actions to the Supreme. While continuing to perform duties wholeheartedly, such a person does not become emotionally dependent on the outcome. As a result, the mind remains peaceful.
Naiṣṭhikī śānti: Freedom from attachment to results gives rise to a deep, unwavering peace that cannot easily be shaken by changing circumstances. This is not temporary happiness but lasting inner stability.
Ayuktaḥ kāma-kāreṇa: In contrast, one who acts under the influence of personal desires and expectations remains constantly anxious. Their happiness rises and falls according to success and failure.
Phale sakto nibadhyate: Attachment to results is the real source of bondage. When outcomes fail to match expectations, disappointment, frustration, and sorrow naturally follow. This cycle keeps the mind trapped.
Message for our lives
This verse offers a practical solution to the stress and anxiety of modern life.
The real cause of stress: Most people assume that work itself creates stress. Lord Krishna points out that the deeper cause is excessive attachment to the results of our efforts.
A practical approach: We should prepare thoroughly and perform our duties with sincerity, but let go of constant anxiety about the outcome. When our attention shifts from the results to the quality of our actions, the mind becomes calmer, more focused, and more effective.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has shown that letting go of attachment to results leads to lasting peace. In the next verse, He describes the state of a realized Yogi who lives in the 'city of nine gates' while remaining completely free within.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Peace begins where attachment to results ends.
The less you cling to outcomes, the more freely you can act.
Excellence comes from commitment, not obsession with rewards.
Attachment turns effort into burden.
Focus on the work; let the results arrive in their own time.
Renouncing results is not passivity; it is inner freedom.
Stable peace cannot coexist with constant craving.