Chapter 6, Verse 1
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
अनाश्रित: कर्मफलं कार्यं कर्म करोति य: |
स संन्यासी च योगी च न निरग्निर्न चाक्रिय: ॥1॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
anāśritaḥ karma-phalaṁ kāryaṁ karma karoti yaḥ
sa sannyāsī ca yogī ca na niragnir na cākriyaḥ
"The Supreme Lord said: One who performs prescribed duties without depending on the results of action is a true renunciant (sannyasi) and a true yogi, not the one who merely refrains from lighting the sacrificial fire or performs no work."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 6.1 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 6.1 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna redefines renunciation and yoga, moving the focus from external rituals to internal consciousness. In the Vedic era, a sannyasi was traditionally recognized by the abandonment of the 'Agnihotra' (fire ritual) and physical labor. Krishna argues that true sannyasa is not about what you 'stop doing' externally, but the 'spirit' in which you do your duty. A true yogi is one who remains detached from the fruits of their labor (karma-phalam) while fulfilling their obligations (kāryaṁ karma). This verse bridges the gap between the life of a householder and a monk, suggesting that the path of selfless action (Karma Yoga) is equivalent to the path of renunciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 6.1?
The Supreme Lord said: One who performs prescribed duties without depending on the results of action is a true renunciant (sannyasi) and a true yogi, not the one who merely refrains from lighting the sacrificial fire or performs no work.