The four divisions of society were created by me according to the differentiation of guna and karma; though I am their creator, know me to be immutable.
By explaining the division of society into four varnas based on guna and karma, Krishna stresses that social roles are divine creations meant for order. He distances himself from the karma-driven outcomes of these roles, implying that one’s duty should be performed without attachment to results.
Actions do not taint me, nor do I desire their results. One who knows me in this way is not bound by karma.
Krishna clarifies that actions do not bind him, implying that liberation from karma is possible by surrendering to divine will. This reinforces the idea that actions, when done without personal motive, free one from entanglement in material consequences, paving the way for spiritual freedom.
Knowing this, the ancient seekers of liberation also performed actions. Therefore, you should perform actions as were done by those ancients.
Krishna encourages Arjuna to follow the path of prior seekers. By drawing on historical examples, he stresses that the journey towards liberation is well-trodden, offering Arjuna both precedent and reassurance in facing his current moral dilemmas, grounding him in a legacy of spiritual tradition.
What is action? What is inaction? Even the wise are confused about this. I shall explain, knowing which you will be freed from inauspiciousness.
Krishna addresses the complexity of action and inaction, indicating that true knowledge is needed to discern them. This foreshadows deeper teachings on karma yoga, as Krishna prepares Arjuna to perform duties without attachment, offering liberation from the confusion surrounding moral actions.
One must understand what action is, what forbidden action is, and what inaction is. The nature of karma is profound.
Krishna emphasizes understanding of three aspects: action, forbidden action, and inaction. This sets the stage for differentiating between righteous duties and destructive deeds, urging Arjuna to develop wisdom and make choices that align with dharma, elevating his actions beyond superficial motives.
One who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is wise and has accomplished everything.
Krishna introduces the concept of seeing inaction within action, teaching that intent determines the spiritual impact of one’s actions. By acting without selfish motives, one attains true wisdom. This paradox encourages Arjuna to engage in duty with inner detachment, achieving unity with dharma.
One whose every undertaking is free from desire and selfish motive is said by sages to have burned his actions in the fire of knowledge.
Here, Krishna discusses the wisdom of a person whose actions are burned by the fire of knowledge. This imagery signifies a person free from karmic consequences, who is no longer bound by the results of actions. Arjuna is thus inspired to seek this transformative wisdom, deepening his understanding.