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.
Renouncing attachment to the results of actions and always content, the person engaged in action performs no action, even while acting.
A truly detached person acts without desire or dependence on results. Krishna reinforces that a wise person remains untouched by karma. This inspires Arjuna to perform his duties without seeking rewards, teaching that selfless action done in harmony with dharma does not bind the soul.
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.