mukta-saṅgo ‘nahaṁ-vādī dhṛity-utsāha-samanvitaḥ
siddhy-asiddhyor nirvikāraḥ kartā sāttvika uchyate
mukta-saṅgaḥ — free from worldly attachment;
anaham-vādī — free from ego;
dhṛiti — strong resolve;
utsāha — zeal;
samanvitaḥ — endowed with;
siddhi-asiddhyoḥ — in success and failure;
nirvikāraḥ — unaffected;
kartā — worker;
sāttvikaḥ — in the mode of goodness;
uchyate — is said to be
This verse talks about the qualities of a person who works in a good and positive way. Let’s break it down step by step, so it's easy to understand.
First, it says that this type of worker does not have any strong feelings of attachment to material things. This means they don’t get too caught up in wanting money, possessions, or worldly success. They understand that while it’s okay to have things, those things don’t define who they are. For example, think of someone who loves their job but doesn’t get upset if they don't get a promotion. They keep their happiness and sense of self apart from their job title or bank account.
Next, the verse mentions that this person does not have a false sense of 'I' or ego. They are not boastful or think they are better than others. This means they don’t let pride get in the way of how they view themselves or how they treat others. If they accomplish something great, they won’t act like it makes them superior; they see it as a result of hard work, not just their individual greatness.
The person is also described as enthusiastic and resolute. This means they have a strong determination to do their work and they are motivated. For example, when faced with a challenging task, instead of giving up, they stay positive and keep pushing forward. Imagine an athlete training hard for a competition; they might be tired or face obstacles, but they stay passionate and work hard because they are dedicated to their goal.
The verse further explains that this person is 'indifferent to success or failure.' This means they don’t let the outcome of their work—whether it turns out well or poorly—change how they feel or how they work. For them, the process is more important than the result. It’s like a student who studies hard for an exam. They put in their best effort, but even if they don’t get the grade they wanted, they remain proud of the effort they put in and don’t beat themselves up over it.
Finally, when someone has all these qualities—being free from attachments, humble, enthusiastic, determined, and indifferent to outcomes—they are said to be working in the 'mode of goodness.' This means they approach life positively and selflessly. They do their duties because they genuinely want to contribute and help others, not just for their gain.
Overall, this verse encourages us to adopt these qualities in our lives. It teaches how to work hard and stay motivated without getting attached to the results or letting ego take control. A person like this lives with peace and happiness, regardless of the ups and downs they face.