Word meanings
- niyatam
- in accordance with scriptures
- saṅga-rahitam
- free from attachment
- arāga-dveṣataḥ
- free from attachment and aversion
- kṛtam
- done
- aphala-prepsunā
- without desire for rewards
- karma
- action
- yat
- which
- tat
- that
- sāttvikam
- in the mode of goodness
- ucyate
- is called
Translations
An action that is ordained, free from attachment, done without love or hatred, and without desire for reward is declared to be Sattvic.
An obligatory action done by one who is disinterested, who neither likes nor dislikes it, and gives no thought to the consequences that may follow, such an action is Pure.
The daily obligatory action which is performed without attachment and without likes or dislikes, by one who does not hanker for rewards, is said to be born of sattva.
जो कर्म शास्त्रविधिसे नियत किया हुआ और कर्तृत्वाभिमानसे रहित हो तथा फलेच्छारहित मनुष्यके द्वारा बिना राग-द्वेषके किया हुआ हो, वह सात्त्विक कहा जाता है।Commentary
Niyatam Ordained Obligatory. One is not excited to perform an obligatory action through love or hatred. This is a pure act. The performer of such pure action experiences great joy. He does his duty or any other work wholeheartedly not caring for the reward but offering it willingly at the feet of the Lord. He works in accordancw with the dictates of the scriptures. Now I will explain to thee? O Arjuna, the nature of action which is Rajasic or passionate. Do thou listen to Me with rapt attention.