श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ४.१८ — कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येत् — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ४.१८ — कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येत्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
कर्मणि
karmaṇi
in action
अकर्म
akarma
inaction
यः
yaḥ
who
पश्येत्
paśhyet
sees, perceives
अकर्मणि
akarmaṇi
in inaction
च
cha
also, and
कर्म
karma
action
यः
yaḥ
who
सः
saḥ
he, that one
बुद्धिमान्
buddhimān
wise, intelligent
मनुष्येषु
manuṣhyeṣhu
amongst humans
सः
saḥ
he, that one
युक्तः
yuktaḥ
a yogi, one established in yoga
कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्
kṛitsna-karma-kṛit
performer of all actions
Complete Translation
जो पुरुष कर्म में अकर्म और अकर्म में कर्म देखता है, वह मनुष्यों में बुद्धिमान है; वह योगी है और सम्पूर्ण कर्मों को करने वाला है।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 18
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the fourth chapter, the Yoga of Knowledge and the Renunciation of Action, Krishna explains the subtle nature of action (karma), inaction (akarma) and forbidden action (vikarma), saying that even the wise are confused about them. This verse gives the key: the truly wise see the Self as actionless within all action, and so act without being bound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'inaction in action' mean in Bhagavad Gita 4.18?▼
It means perceiving that the true Self remains still, free and untouched even while the body and mind are engaged in activity. The wise one acts outwardly, yet inwardly rests in the changeless witness — this is 'inaction in action'.
And what is 'action in inaction'?▼
It means recognizing that merely sitting still or abstaining from work is not real renunciation. One who outwardly does nothing but is full of desires and attachments is still 'acting' inwardly. True freedom is an inner state, not just outer stillness.
Why is this person called the wisest among men?▼
Because they have understood the deepest truth about action and the Self. They can perform all duties (kritsna-karma-krit) without being bound by them, having transcended the false notion that the Self is the doer. This is the mark of a perfected yogi.
How can this verse be applied in daily life?▼
By doing your work fully and skillfully while inwardly remaining a calm witness, unattached to results and untouched by the sense of 'I am the doer'. This lets you stay active in the world yet spiritually free.
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