Word meanings
- mukta-saṅgaḥ
- free from worldly attachment
- anaham-vādī
- free from ego
- dhṛti
- strong resolve
- utsāha
- zeal
- samanvitaḥ
- endowed with
- siddhi-asiddhyoḥ
- in success and failure
- nirvikāraḥ
- unaffected
- kartā
- worker
- sāttvikaḥ
- in the mode of goodness
- ucyate
- is said to be
Translations
An agent who is free from attachment, non-egoistic, endowed with firmness and enthusiasm, and unaffected by success or failure, is considered to be of a Sattvic (pure) nature.
But when a person has no sentiment or ego, when they possess courage and confidence, not caring whether they succeed or fail, then their action arises from purity.
[Ast. introduces this verse with 'Idanim kartrbhedah ucyate, Now is being stated the distinctions among the agents.'-Tr.] The agent who is free from attachment [Attachment to results or the idea of agentship.], not egotistical, endowed with fortitude and diligence, and unperturbed by success and failure is said to be possessed of sattva.
जो कर्ता रागरहित, अनहंवादी, धैर्य और उत्साहयुक्त तथा सिद्धि और असिद्धिमें निर्विकार है, वह सात्त्विक कहा जाता है।Commentary
A pure agent does his actions with his whole heart without feeling proud at the performance. He looks for the proper time and place and in accordance with the behests of the scriptures determines whether such actions are worth doing or not. He develops courage and a powerful will. He never seeks physical comforts. He is ite prepared to sacrifice his life for a noble cause. He is neither elated by success nor grieved by failure. He always keeps a balanced mind when he does any action.
O Arjuna, that man is a pure agent who, while working, exhibits such alities. Siddhi Success attainment of the fruit of action performed. Nirvikarah Unaffected as having been urged to act merely by the authority of the scriptures, not by a desire for the sake of the reward. Now I will tell thee? O Arjuna, of the characteristics of a passionate agent.