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
Abhayam sattva-samsuddhir jnana-yoga-vyavasthitih, danam damas cha yajnas cha svadhyayas tapa arjavam
Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in knowledge and yoga, charity, self-control, sacrifice, study of scriptures, austerity, and straightforwardness.
- •Divine qualities to cultivate
- •Fearlessness is foundational
- •Purity of heart is essential
Raja-vidya raja-guhyam pavitram idam uttamam, pratyakshavagamam dharmyam su-sukham kartum avyayam
This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, directly experienced, righteous, easy to practice, and everlasting.
- •This is the highest knowledge
- •Direct experience validates truth
- •Spiritual practice can be joyful
Anapekṣhaḥ śhuchir dakṣha udāsīno gata-vyathaḥ, sarvārambha-parityāgī yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ
Free from wants, pure, expert, without cares, untroubled, and renouncing all undertakings—such devotees are very dear to Me.
- •Freedom from desires and worries
- •Purity and expertise combined
- •Let go of personal agendas
Tejah kshama dhritih shaucham adroho nati-manita, bhavanti sampadam daivim abhijatasya bharata
Vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, absence of malice, and absence of pride—these qualities belong to those endowed with divine nature, O Arjuna.
- •Strength combined with humility
- •Purity without pride
- •Divine character is multifaceted
Deva-dwija-guru-prājña-pūjanaṁ śhaucham ārjavam, brahmacharyam ahinsā cha śhārīraṁ tapa uchyate
Worship of the deities, the twice-born, teachers, and the wise; purity, straightforwardness, celibacy, and non-violence—these are said to be austerity of the body.
- •Physical austerity through conduct
- •Respect for higher beings
- •Purity and non-violence
Manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ, bhāva-saṁśhuddhir ity etat tapo mānasam uchyate
Serenity of thought, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of purpose—these are called austerity of the mind.
- •Mental austerity through inner qualities
- •Cultivate serenity and gentleness
- •Self-control and purity of intent