Having no desires, self-controlled, and renouncing all possessions, one incurs no sin by performing mere bodily actions.
Krishna describes the ideal yogi who renounces possessions and desires, performing only necessary bodily actions. This simplicity highlights the path to freedom from karmic bondage, urging Arjuna to focus on essential actions aligned with dharma, rather than indulging in material attachments.
Content with whatever comes by chance, beyond dualities, free from envy, equanimous in success and failure, one is not bound by actions.
Krishna advises maintaining equanimity regardless of success or failure. By not allowing dualities to affect his peace, a person transcends bondage. This teaching aims to guide Arjuna towards mental discipline, helping him overcome inner conflicts and external distractions in his duties.
One free from attachment, with mind established in knowledge, performs a sacrifice of action, and all his karma dissolves completely.
One whose mind is established in knowledge acts as an offering, Krishna explains. The ritualistic element symbolizes dedication to dharma, encouraging Arjuna to view his duties as offerings to a higher purpose, thus allowing actions to dissolve naturally without leaving karmic residues.
The offering is Brahman, the oblation is Brahman, it is offered by Brahman in the fire of Brahman; one who sees Brahman in every action attains Brahman.
By explaining that Brahman permeates all aspects of sacrifice, Krishna illustrates the unity between action, devotion, and the divine. This holistic view of sacrifice encourages Arjuna to see his role in a divine context, transforming his perception of duty into a sacred act of spiritual union.
Some yogis perfectly worship the demigods by sacrifices, while others offer sacrifice in the fire of Brahman.
Krishna contrasts different forms of sacrifice, explaining that some worship demigods, while others meditate on Brahman. This variety underscores that paths to spiritual realization are diverse, catering to different dispositions, yet all sincere efforts ultimately lead towards the divine truth.
Some offer hearing and other senses as sacrifice in the fire of restraint; others offer sound and other objects into the fire of senses.
Krishna explains that some control senses through discipline while others sacrifice sensory attachments. These acts symbolize self-restraint, teaching Arjuna that inner mastery over senses and desires is a form of sacrifice, essential to achieving mental focus and spiritual growth on his path.
Some offer all the functions of the senses and the life force in the fire of self-control, kindled by knowledge.
Krishna describes those who offer the activities of the senses and life force into the fire of self-control. This reference to self-discipline as sacrifice suggests that Arjuna should strive for inner mastery, redirecting his energies towards higher consciousness and away from impulsive actions.