karma-jaṁ buddhi-yuktā hi phalaṁ tyaktvā manīṣhiṇaḥ
janma-bandha-vinirmuktāḥ padaṁ gachchhanty-anāmayam
karma-jam — born of fruitive actions;
buddhi-yuktāḥ — endowed with equanimity of intellect;
hi — as;
phalam — fruits;
tyaktvā — abandoning;
manīṣhiṇaḥ — the wise;
janma-bandha-vinirmuktāḥ — freedom from the bondage of life and death;
padam — state;
gachchhanti — attain;
anāmayam — devoid of sufferings
In this verse, we learn about a deeper understanding of life and what it means to be truly wise. The wise people are not just smart in everyday matters; they understand something profound about life and their connection to the universe and God. They realize that this material world—where we live, work, and face many challenges—is filled with suffering. This suffering can come from various sources: the pains of birth, the inevitability of death, the weariness of old age, and the struggles with sickness. These are common experiences for every living being, and no one can escape them in this physical existence.
Many people, however, are often caught up in trying to make their lives better through actions that they think will bring them happiness, like making money, gaining power, or seeking pleasure. They engage in what are called fruitive activities, believing that enjoying the results of their actions will lead to joy. But what they fail to see is that these temporary pleasures do not provide lasting happiness and are not the solution to the suffering inherent in life.
The wise individuals—who are often described as 'manīṣhiṇaḥ' in the verse—understand that the true nature of life goes beyond just physical existence. They realize that their real purpose is to serve and connect with the Lord (or God) rather than simply chase after material success. This understanding allows them to break free from the cycle of life and death (which is sometimes referred to as 'janma-bandha'), a pattern that revolves around constant rebirth and suffering.
When these wise people dedicate themselves to devotional service—activities done with love and devotion toward God—they reach a state where they are free from the pains of this material world. This state is described as 'anāmayam,' which means it is free from all kinds of misery. It is a peaceful and joyful existence, often compared to a heavenly realm where joy and fulfillment flourish without suffering.
In summary, the verse teaches us that true wisdom comes from recognizing our eternal nature as servants of God, rather than being bound by material pursuits. It encourages us to see the bigger picture—that by serving the divine and letting go of the obsession with the results of our actions, we can attain a lasting peace and happiness that transcends the ordinary struggles of life.