Verse 3.19
Speaker: Krishna
Sanskrit
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर। असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः।।
Transliteration (IAST)
tasmād asaktaḥ satataṁ kāryaṁ karma samācara | asakto hy ācaran karma param āpnoti pūruṣaḥ ||
Word-by-Word Meanings
असक्तः-without attachment
सततम्-constantly
कार्यम्-obligatory
कर्म-action
समाचर-perform
परम्-the Supreme
Translation
Therefore, without attachment, always perform your obligatory duty; for by performing action without attachment, one attains the Supreme.
Commentary
This is one of the most important verses of Karma Yoga, providing its essential formula: constant performance of duty without attachment to results. The word 'asakta' (unattached) is the key - it transforms ordinary work into a spiritual discipline that leads to liberation.
Themes
karmadutymokshasurrender