karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi
karmaṇi — in prescribed duties;
eva — only;
adhikāraḥ — right;
te — your;
mā — not;
phaleṣhu — in the fruits;
kadāchana — at any time;
mā — never;
karma-phala — results of the activities;
hetuḥ — cause;
bhūḥ — be;
mā — not;
te — your;
saṅgaḥ — attachment;
astu — must be;
akarmaṇi — in inaction
In this verse, Krishna is telling Arjuna something important about how to approach life, especially when it comes to work and responsibilities. Let's break it down:
1. **Perform Your Duties**: Krishna says that you have the right to do your job or responsibilities. This means you should focus on what you are supposed to do in your life, whether that’s work, family, or anything else that requires your attention. In everyday situations, this might refer to doing your chores, fulfilling your job role, or helping others in your community.
2. **Don’t Worry About the Results**: Krishna emphasizes that while you are allowed to do your work, you should not be overly concerned with what you get in return. In simple terms, when you do something, don't fixate on whether you will be rewarded or praised for it. This could apply to a student studying for a test—focus on the studying itself, and don’t get too caught up in the grades you might receive.
3. **Avoid Attachment to Outcomes**: If you become too attached to the results, it can lead to problems. For example, if you are only thinking about winning a game and not enjoying playing it, you might become stressed or anxious. Krishna warns that this attachment can disturb your peace of mind and might even prevent you from taking action.
4. **Fear of Inaction**: Krishna also reminds Arjuna not to avoid his responsibilities because he fears the outcomes. Sometimes, people may avoid doing something important because they are afraid they might fail or make mistakes. Instead, Krishna advises being active and engaging in your duties without letting fear stop you. It’s like telling someone to go ahead and participate in a project even if they’re nervous about how it will turn out.
5. **Being a Participant, Not a Hostage to Results**: He also mentions that the person who is too attached to the results of their actions tends to feel like they are the only ones responsible for what happens. This attitude can lead to feeling like a slave to success or failure, constantly worrying about what others think. Instead, Krishna encourages Arjuna—and all of us—to do our best without being tied to the consequences. Just do your job, put in your best effort, and leave the results to the universe.
6. **Stay True to Your Path**: Krishna is essentially guiding Arjuna to find balance in his life. While it’s essential to act and fulfill your duties, it’s equally important to maintain a sense of detachment from the results. This can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life because you aren’t constantly stressed about what might happen next.
In summary, this verse teaches us to focus on our responsibilities, work hard, and not worry too much about what comes out of our actions. By doing this, we can find joy in our work and maintain our peace of mind.