Bhagavad Gita 6.1 — The True Renunciate and Yogi Is One Who Practices Selfless Action
अनाश्रितः कर्मफलं कार्यं कर्म करोति यः।
स संन्यासी च योगी च न निरग्निर्न चाक्रियः॥ ६.१॥
A person who performs their prescribed duty without depending on or being attached to the results of their actions is the true renunciate and the true yogi. Simply giving up Vedic rituals or refraining from action does not constitute genuine renunciation or yoga.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| anāśritaḥ | without depending on the fruits of actions |
| karmaphalam | the fruit of action |
| kāryam | one's prescribed duty |
| karma | action |
| karoti | performs |
| yaḥ | who |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| saḥ | he |
| saṃnyāsī | a true renunciate |
| ca | and |
| yogī | a yogī |
| ca | also |
| na | not |
| niragniḥ | one who merely gives up the sacred fires (external rituals) |
| na | nor |
| ca | and |
| akriyaḥ | one who remains inactive |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| anāśritaḥ | without depending on the fruits of actions | saḥ | he |
| karmaphalam | the fruit of action | saṃnyāsī | a true renunciate |
| kāryam | one's prescribed duty | ca | and |
| karma | action | yogī | a yogī |
| karoti | performs | ca | also |
| yaḥ | who | na | not |
| niragniḥ | one who merely gives up the sacred fires (external rituals) | ||
| na | nor | ||
| ca | and | ||
| akriyaḥ | one who remains inactive | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna clarifies the commonly misunderstood ideas of sannyāsa and yoga, explaining that true renunciation is not an external act but lies in performing one's duty without attachment to the fruits of action.
Essence
Lord Krishna's Revolutionary Insight
In this verse, Lord Krishna completely removes Arjuna's long-held misconception that spirituality means abandoning the world and running away from worldly life.
Na niragniḥ (mere external renunciation is not true sannyāsa): In ancient times—and even today—many believed that giving up one's home, wearing saffron robes, and abandoning the sacred household fire used for cooking and sacrifice was true renunciation. Lord Krishna explains that these outward acts can simply become a form of display or hypocrisy. Merely changing one's clothes or giving up household life does not make one a true renunciate.
Na ca akriyaḥ (avoiding action is not yoga): Some people believe that withdrawing from all work and sitting quietly with closed eyes is yoga. Lord Krishna makes it clear that a person who remains inactive out of laziness is not a yogi.
The true definition (kāryaṁ karma karoti): Then who is the real sannyāsī or yogi? Lord Krishna says it is the person who faithfully fulfills all of their responsibilities while living in society, yet is not driven by praise, wealth, or the desire for the results of their actions (anāśritaḥ karmaphalam). One who focuses on performing their duty with excellence, without anxiety about the outcome, is the true renunciate.
Message for Everyday Life (Work as a Celebration)
Do not treat work as a burden: Today, many people work only for a salary, recognition, or social status. As a result, their minds remain trapped in constant anxiety about future results. This not only lowers the quality of their work but also leads to stress and depression.
Practical approach: The Gita teaches us to make our work itself an act of worship and meditation. Whether you go to the office or sit down to study, give your complete attention to the process rather than the result. When you let go of attachment to outcomes and devote your full energy to the work itself, stress naturally fades away. Such a person remains inwardly peaceful and joyful, living in the midst of the world like a true sannyāsī.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has made it clear that the one who renounces attachment to the fruits of action is the true sannyāsī and yogi. This naturally raises an important question: what is the relationship between sannyāsa and yoga? In the next passage, Lord Krishna explains how they are actually two expressions of the same truth.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
True spirituality begins with fulfilling one's responsibilities.
Doing the right thing matters more than chasing the reward.
Renunciation is freedom from attachment, not freedom from action.
Focus on effort; results will follow in their own time.
Great leaders serve through action, not withdrawal.
Inner detachment creates outer effectiveness.
Work becomes worship when expectation gives way to dedication.