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← Chapter 4: The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Verse 4.41

Speaker: Krishna

Sanskrit

योगसन्न्यस्तकर्माणं ज्ञानसञ्छिन्नसंशयम्। आत्मवन्तं न कर्माणि निबध्नन्ति धनञ्जय।।

Transliteration (IAST)

yoga-sannyasta-karmāṇaṁ jñāna-sañchinna-saṁśayam ātmavantaṁ na karmāṇi nibadhnanti dhanañjaya

Word-by-Word Meanings

yoga-sannyasta-renounced through yoga
karmāṇam-whose actions
jñāna-sañchinna-cut by knowledge
saṁśayam-doubts
ātmavantam-self-possessed
nibadhnanti-bind

Translation

One who acts in devotional service, renouncing the fruits of his actions, and whose doubts have been destroyed by transcendental knowledge, is situated factually in the self. Thus he is not bound by the reactions of work, O conqueror of riches.

Commentary

This verse synthesizes the chapter's teaching: yoga (disciplined action) renounces the fruits of karma, jñāna (knowledge) destroys doubt, and ātma-possession (self-mastery) ensures freedom from bondage. The three together constitute complete liberation while still engaged in action.

Themes

karmajnanayoga