Chapter 3, Verse 18
नैव तस्य कृतेनार्थो नाकृतेनेह कश्चन | न चास्य सर्वभूतेषु कश्चिदर्थव्यपाश्रय: ॥18॥
naiva tasya kṛtenārtho nākṛteneha kaścana |
na cāsya sarva-bhūteṣu kaścid-artha-vyapāśrayaḥ ||
"For him there is no concern here at all with performing action; nor any concern with non-performance. Moreover, for him there is no dependence on any object to serve any purpose."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.18 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.18 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse describes the state of a 'Jivanmukta'—one who is liberated while still in the body. For such a soul, the 'Varṇāśhrama' (social/religious duties) are no longer mandatory because they have reached the goal that those duties were meant to achieve: purity of heart and connection with the Divine. They don't gain anything by doing work (Krita), nor do they lose anything or incur sin by not doing it (Akrita). Most importantly, they are completely self-sufficient in their joy; they do not look toward any living being (Sarva-bhūteṣu) for the fulfillment of their needs or desires. They act out of pure love or to set an example, but never out of necessity or dependence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 3.18?
For him there is no concern here at all with performing action; nor any concern with non-performance. Moreover, for him there is no dependence on any object to serve any purpose.