Word meanings
- tyaktvā
- having given up
- karma-phala-āsaṅgam
- attachment to the fruits of action
- nitya
- always
- tṛptaḥ
- satisfied
- nirāśrayaḥ
- without dependence
- karmaṇi
- in activities
- abhipravṛttaḥ
- engaged
- api
- despite
- na
- not
- eva
- certainly
- kiñcit
- anything
- karoti
- do
- saḥ
- that person
Translations
Having abandoned attachment to the fruits of the action, ever content, depending on nothing, he does not do anything even while being engaged in activity.
Having surrendered all claim to the results of his actions, he is always contented and independent; in reality, he does nothing, even though he appears to be acting.
Having given up attachment to the results of action, he who is ever-content, dependent on nothing, does not really do anything even though he is engaged in action.
जो कर्म और फलकी आसक्तिका त्याग करके आश्रयसे रहित और सदा तृप्त है, वह कर्मोंमें अच्छी तरह लगा हुआ भी वास्तवमें कुछ भी नहीं करता।Commentary
The same idea of inaction in action is repeated here to produce a deep impression on the minds of the aspirants. He who works for the wellbeing of the world and he who performs actions without egoism and attachment for the fruits, to set an example to the masses, really does nothing at all though he is ever engaged in activity, as he possesses the knowledge of the Self which is beyond all activity and as he has realised his identity with It. As Brahman the Absolute is selfcontained, all the desires are gratified if one realises the Self.
He is ever satisfied and does not depend on anything, just as a man who has the favour of the king does not depend on the minister or the government official for anything. (Cf.IV.41)