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Freedom

14 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on freedom. Explore teachings across 10 chapters.

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Brahmany adhaya karmani sangam tyaktva karoti yah, lipyate na sa papena padma-patram ivambhasa

One who performs their duty without attachment, surrendering the results to the Supreme, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water.

  • Detached action purifies the soul
  • Like a lotus in water, be in the world but not of it
  • Surrender leads to freedom
Vihaya kaman yah sarvan pumams carati nihsprhah, nirmamo nirahankarah sa shantim adhigacchati

That person who gives up all material desires and lives free from a sense of possessiveness, proprietorship, and egotism, attains perfect peace.

  • Renounce attachment to desires
  • Let go of ego and ownership
  • True peace comes from detachment
Yuktah karma-phalam tyaktva shantim apnoti naishthikim, ayuktah kama-karena phale sakto nibadhyate

The steadily devoted soul attains unadulterated peace by renouncing the fruits of action, whereas the unsteady soul is bound by desire for rewards.

  • Peace comes from renouncing outcomes
  • Attachment to results creates bondage
  • Steady practice leads to liberation
Yajna-arthat karmano 'nyatra loko 'yam karma-bandhanah, tad-artham karma kaunteya mukta-sangah samachara

Work must be done as a sacrifice to the Supreme; otherwise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform your duties for His satisfaction, and you will be free from bondage.

  • Dedicate all work to the divine
  • Work without dedication creates bondage
  • Freedom through sacred action
Na rūpam asyeha tathopalabhyate nānto na chādir na cha sampratiṣhṭhā, aśhvattham enaṁ su-virūḍha-mūlam asaṅga-śhastreṇa dṛiḍhena chhittvā

The real form of this tree cannot be perceived in this world, nor its beginning, end, or existence. Cut down this firmly rooted tree with the weapon of detachment.

  • Material world is illusory
  • Detachment is the weapon for freedom
  • Must sever attachment to maya
Nirmāna-mohā jita-saṅga-doṣhā adhyātma-nityā vinivṛitta-kāmāḥ, dvandvair vimuktāḥ sukha-duḥkha-sanjñair gachchhanty amūḍhāḥ padam avyayaṁ tat

Those free from pride and illusion, victorious over attachment, constantly dwelling in the self, with desires completely stilled, liberated from the dualities of pleasure and pain—the undeluded reach that eternal abode.

  • Freedom from pride and illusion
  • Victory over attachment
  • Liberation from dualities