yasya nāhankṛito bhāvo buddhir yasya na lipyate
hatvā ‘pi sa imāl lokān na hanti na nibadhyate
yasya — whose;
na ahankṛitaḥ — free from the ego of being the doer;
bhāvaḥ — nature;
buddhiḥ — intellect;
yasya — whose;
na lipyate — unattached;
hatvā — slay;
api — even;
saḥ — they;
imān — this;
lokān — living beings;
na — neither;
hanti — kill;
na — nor;
nibadhyate — get bound
In this verse, Lord Krishna is explaining an important idea to Arjuna about actions and responsibilities. He tells Arjuna that sometimes people act out of a sense of false ego. This means they believe they are the only ones making decisions and doing things, without recognizing a higher power or authority that guides their actions.
Arjuna felt hesitant about fighting in battle because he thought of himself as the doer of his actions and questioned whether it was right to kill. However, Krishna reminds him that if someone is connected to a higher authority, like God, they understand that they are just an instrument or a tool for carrying out those actions. In this sense, they are like a soldier who follows orders from a commanding officer. If the officer gives the order to fight, the soldier is not personally responsible for the outcome; they are simply doing their duty based on the instructions received.
So, Krishna emphasizes that a person who acts without attachment or false ego, meaning they don’t let personal feelings or desires cloud their judgment, is not truly harming anyone with their actions, even if those actions might involve hurting others. Such a person sees the bigger picture and understands that everything happens under the guidance of God.
For instance, if a doctor performs surgery, they might have to make difficult decisions that involve life and death, but they see themselves as helping their patients rather than causing harm. They understand that their actions are for a greater purpose and are guided by medical ethics and laws.
Krishna also points out that when a person acts with this understanding of their role and recognizes the Supreme authority, they are not weighed down by the consequences of their actions. In simpler terms, they are not emotionally or spiritually burdened by the outcomes, just like a soldier following orders is protected from legal consequences.
In summary, this verse teaches us that when we perform our duties with awareness and for the greater good, without being attached to the results or motivated by a mistaken sense of self-importance, we can act properly without the fear of wrongdoing. Our true understanding and connection to a higher purpose protect us and liberate us from the burdens of our actions.