Verse 4.14
Speaker: Krishna
Sanskrit
न मां कर्माणि लिम्पन्ति न मे कर्मफले स्पृहा। इति मां योऽभिजानाति कर्मभिर्न स बध्यते।।
Transliteration (IAST)
na māṁ karmāṇi limpanti na me karma-phale spṛhā iti māṁ yo 'bhijānāti karmabhir na sa badhyate
Word-by-Word Meanings
limpanti-affect/taint
karma-phale-in the fruits of action
spṛhā-desire/aspiration
abhijānāti-knows/understands
badhyate-is bound
karmāṇi-actions
Translation
There is no work that affects Me; nor do I aspire for the fruits of action. One who understands this truth about Me also does not become entangled in the fruitive reactions of work.
Commentary
Krishna presents Himself as the model of detached action. Actions do not bind Him because He has no desire for their fruits. This principle, when understood and emulated by the seeker, leads to liberation from karmic bondage. Knowledge of God's nature transforms one's own relationship with action.
Themes
karmajnanamoksha