yuktaḥ karma-phalaṁ tyaktvā śhāntim āpnoti naiṣhṭhikīm
ayuktaḥ kāma-kāreṇa phale sakto nibadhyate
yuktaḥ — one who is united in consciousness with God;
karma-phalam — the results of all activities;
tyaktvā — giving up;
śhāntim — peace;
āpnoti — attains;
naiṣhṭhikīm — everlasting;
ayuktaḥ — one who is not united with God in consciousness;
kāma-kāreṇa — impelled by desires;
phale — in the result;
saktaḥ — attached;
nibadhyate — becomes entangled
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita talks about two types of people: those who are devoted to Lord Krishna and those who are focused only on the results of their actions.
When we say someone is devoted to Krishna, it means their mind and heart are aligned with him. They work for him without worrying about what they will gain personally from their efforts. Imagine someone dedicating their work purely for the joy of doing it and for a greater purpose—like a teacher who doesn’t just teach for a paycheck but genuinely cares for the well-being of their students. This person feels a deep sense of peace because they are not weighed down by anxiety about rewards or recognition. They offer all their hard work and results back to Krishna, which helps them stay relaxed and at ease.
On the other hand, the verse explains that people who are not connected to Krishna's consciousness focus solely on what they will receive from their actions. For example, think of someone who works only to earn money or gain status. This person is often caught up in worries and stress about whether they will achieve their goals or enjoy their rewards. They may feel anxious, competitive, or dissatisfied because their happiness is tied to their successes or failures.
The Bhagavatam points out that this anxiety comes from a lack of a deeper understanding of life. When people see the world only from their personal perspective and are unable to see a bigger picture, they fall into what the verse calls duality—where they see themselves as separate from everything else. In this view, there is a constant struggle to gain more and avoid loss, which leads to entanglement in worries and desires.
However, when a person recognizes that Krishna is the source of everything and that every action should be dedicated to him, they start to feel liberated. There is no sense of division or competition; instead, everything becomes a part of a larger, harmonious plan. Each action becomes meaningful, transcending ordinary material results.
In simpler terms, living in Krishna consciousness means realizing that everything we do can contribute to a greater good. This understanding brings a notable calmness and joy that material rewards alone cannot provide. By shifting focus from what we can gain to how we can serve and love Krishna and others, our life transforms into a fulfilling journey filled with peace and contentment.
So in essence, this verse highlights two paths: one leads to peace through devotion and service without attachment, while the other leads to restlessness and entanglement through greed and self-interest. The choice between these paths shapes our overall happiness and sense of fulfillment in life.