Chapter 18, Verse 23
नियतं सङ्गरहितमरागद्वेषत: कृतम् | अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यतत्सात्विकमुच्यते ॥23॥
niyataṁ saṅga-rahitam arāga-dveṣataḥ kṛtam | aphala-prepsunā karma yat tat sāttvikam uchyate
"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."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 18.23 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 18.23 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna defines Sāttvic action (action in the mode of goodness) through four specific criteria: 1) Niyatam: It is a regulated, obligatory duty in accordance with scriptures and one's nature. 2) Saṅga-rahitam: It is performed without attachment to the doership or the process. 3) Arāga-dveṣataḥ: It is free from the dualities of craving (Raga) and aversion (Dvesha). 4) Aphala-prepsunā: It is done by someone who has no desire for the ego-centric fruits of the labor. True goodness lies not just in 'what' is done, but the 'internal state' of the doer while doing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 18.23?
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.