Chapter 5, Verse 12
युक्त: कर्मफलं त्यक्त्वा शान्तिमाप्नोति नैष्ठिकीम् | अयुक्त: कामकारेण फले सक्तो निबध्यते ॥12॥
yuktaḥ karma-phalaṁ tyaktvā śāntim āpnoti naiṣṭhikīm | ayuktaḥ kāma-kāreṇa phale sakto nibadhyate ||12||
"The united one, having renounced the fruit of action, attains steady peace; the un-united one, led by desire, is attached to the fruit and becomes bound."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 5.12 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 5.12 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse contrasts two states of consciousness: 'Yukta' (the disciplined soul united with the Divine) and 'Ayukta' (the undisciplined soul driven by ego). The Yukta performs actions as an offering, detaching from the outcome, which leads to 'Naisthikim Shanti'—a peace that is permanent and born of steadfastness. In contrast, the Ayukta is motivated by personal cravings (Kama-karena) and attachment to results (Phale sakto), which inevitably leads to the bondage of Karma and the cycle of suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 5.12?
The united one, having renounced the fruit of action, attains steady peace; the un-united one, led by desire, is attached to the fruit and becomes bound.