Topic

Nishkama-karma

2 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on nishkama-karma. Explore teachings across 1 chapter.

All Verses

Chapter 18 • Verse 9 →The Yoga of Liberation and Renunciation
karyam ity eva yat karma niyatam kriyate 'rjuna sangam tyaktva phalam caiva sa tyagah sattviko matah

When obligatory action is performed simply because it ought to be done, with attachment and desire for results abandoned, that renunciation is considered sattvic. This is the highest form of tyaga and the one Krishna recommends.

  • •Sattvic tyaga means acting from pure duty without attachment or desire for reward
  • •The sattvic renunciant acts because action is right, not for personal gain
  • •This is the ideal blending of karma yoga and jnana — action in wisdom
sattvasattvic-renunciationdutyguna
Chapter 18 • Verse 23 →The Yoga of Liberation and Renunciation
niyatam sanga-rahitam araga-dvesatah kritam aphala-prepsuna karma yat tat sattvikam ucyate

Action that is prescribed, performed without attachment, without love or hatred, and without desire for its fruit is called sattvic action. Such action flows from pure duty and is the model for all karma yoga practice.

  • •Sattvic action is prescribed, duty-based, and free from personal agenda
  • •Absence of raga and dvesha — love and hatred — marks sattvic performance
  • •Desirelessness for results is the defining hallmark of truly pure action
sattvic-actionsattvadutyguna