Bhagavad Gita 18.23 meaningLetting go — and standing up
In simple wordsSo simple a child gets it
“The best work is done calmly, without wanting a prize.”
What it means
“Action that is necessary, done without attachment, without likes and dislikes, and without craving for results, is clear action.”
The original Sanskrit
नियतं सङ्गरहितमरागद्वेषतः कृतम् । अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत्तत्सात्त्विकमुच्यते ॥
niyataṃ saṅgarahitamarāgadveṣataḥ kṛtam aphalaprepsunā karma yattatsāttvikamucyate
Translations
Literal translation
The daily obligatory action which is performed without attachment and without likes or dislikes by one who does not hanker for rewards, that is said to be born of sattva.
Swami Gambhirananda
हिंदी अनुवाद
जो कर्म (शास्त्रविधि से) नियत और संगरहित है, तथा फल को न चाहने वाले पुरुष के द्वारा बिना किसी राग द्वेष के किया गया है, वह (कर्म) सात्त्विक कहा जाता है।
Swami Tejomayananda
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Commentaries
How great teachers across 1,200 years have explained this verse.
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Keep reading · 18.24“Action done to get what you want, driven by ego and with great strain, is restless action.”