naiva tasya kṛitenārtho nākṛiteneha kaśhchana
na chāsya sarva-bhūteṣhu kaśhchid artha-vyapāśhrayaḥ
na — not;
eva — indeed;
tasya — his;
kṛitena — by discharge of duty;
arthaḥ — gain;
na — not;
akṛitena — without discharge of duty;
iha — here;
kaśhchana — whatsoever;
na — never;
cha — and;
asya — of that person;
sarva-bhūteṣhu — among all living beings;
kaśhchit — any;
artha — necessity;
vyapāśhrayaḥ — to depend upon
This verse tells us about the perspective of a person who has achieved self-realization, meaning they have a deep understanding and awareness of themselves and their connection to the universe or a divine higher power.
To put this in simple terms, when someone reaches this level of self-awareness, they find that they are not bound by the usual duties and obligations that most people feel they must meet. For example, in everyday life, many people work hard to earn money, meet societal expectations, or to gain popularity and recognition. However, a self-realized person understands that these external validations do not define their worth or happiness.
This doesn't mean they stop working altogether. Instead, their work changes in nature. They no longer do things out of obligation or fear but rather from a place of love and devotion, especially towards what is referred to as Krishna consciousness, which emphasizes being mindful of a higher purpose or connection in everything they do. So, while they fulfill their duties, their motivation is different. It’s not about personal gain but rather about serving a greater good.
Additionally, this self-realized person does not feel the need to rely on others to fulfill their happiness or responsibilities. In contrast to many regular people who might depend on friends, family, or society for guidance and support, a self-realized individual finds their strength and fulfillment within themselves and their connection to the divine.
In summary, this verse is about freedom and understanding. A self-realized person is free from the typical pressures of life because they know their true nature and purpose. They act with mindful intention, and their consciousness is always directed toward a higher purpose, which is their primary source of strength and happiness.