kāyena manasā buddhyā kevalair indriyair api
yoginaḥ karma kurvanti saṅgaṁ tyaktvātma-śhuddhaye
kāyena — with the body;
manasā — with the mind;
buddhyā — with the intellect;
kevalaiḥ — only;
indriyaiḥ — with the senses;
api — even;
yoginaḥ — the yogis;
karma — actions;
kurvanti — perform;
saṅgam — attachment;
tyaktvā — giving up;
ātma — of the self;
śhuddhaye — for the purification
This verse explains that yogis, or those who practice spiritual discipline, do their actions without getting attached to the results of those actions. They use their body, mind, intelligence, and senses to perform their duties, but their main goal in doing these actions is to purify themselves.
To put it simply, when yogis work, they do it with a sincere intention to please a higher purpose or connection, rather than for personal gain or desire. For example, if someone is volunteering at a community center, they are helping others not because they want recognition or rewards, but because they genuinely want to make a positive difference.
When they act in this detached way, the actions they perform are seen as clean or pure. This means that these actions do not create negative consequences or bad karma. In contrast, when people act out of selfish desires—wanting something for themselves—they often end up tied up in their own emotions and reactions, which can lead to stress, disappointment, or conflict.
The teachings of Krsna (Lord Krishna), as mentioned in this verse, suggest that by focusing on the divine—like being aware of the spiritual goals while performing our daily tasks—everything we do becomes a way to cleanse ourselves of negative influences. So, when yogis act in this way, they are not just going through the motions; they are on a path towards becoming better human beings. Their actions are rooted in love, devotion, and selflessness, which ultimately leads to their spiritual growth and a clearer mind.
In conclusion, to understand this verse, think about performing your daily tasks with a sense of purpose beyond just personal gain. When you do something kind or helpful without expecting anything in return, you are practicing the kind of action described in this verse. You are focused on your own growth and the upliftment of others, which purifies your intentions and actions.