Bhagavad Gita 2.47

 

Bhagavad Gita 2.47: Understanding the Path of Selfless Action

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered scriptures in Hindu philosophy, offers profound wisdom on life, duty, and spirituality. Among its many powerful verses, Chapter 2, Verse 47 (2.47) is particularly well-known for its guidance on selfless action.

Verse and Translation

The Sanskrit verse is:

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥

Transliteration:

karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi

Translation:

"You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."

"तुम्हें अपना कर्तव्य करने का अधिकार है, लेकिन तुम अपने कर्मों के फल के हकदार नहीं हो। अपने आप को कभी भी अपने कर्मों के परिणामों का कारण मत समझो, न ही अकर्मण्यता में आसक्त रहो।"

Explanation and Interpretation

This verse is a cornerstone of the philosophy of Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action, as taught by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Let's break it down into its key teachings:

1. Focus on Action, Not Results

Krishna emphasizes that our responsibility lies in performing our duty, not in controlling the outcome. In life, we often worry about success or failure, but this verse teaches us that fixation on results can lead to stress and disappointment. Instead, we should focus on putting in our best efforts with dedication.

2. Avoid Attachment to Results

While setting goals is important, being overly attached to specific outcomes can hinder our peace of mind. Krishna advises us to act with sincerity but not to be discouraged or elated by success or failure. This attitude helps cultivate inner stability.

3. Do Not Think Yourself the Sole Cause of Outcomes

This verse reminds us that results depend on multiple factors beyond our control—such as time, circumstances, and divine will. Taking excessive credit for success or blaming ourselves for failure is a misunderstanding of how the universe operates.

4. Do Not Be Attached to Inaction

Some people, fearing failure, avoid taking action altogether. Krishna warns against this mindset. He encourages us to engage in our duties wholeheartedly without being paralyzed by fear of failure or an obsessive desire for rewards.

Practical Applications in Daily Life

1. Work Without Expectation – Whether in professional life, relationships, or personal goals, we should focus on sincere effort rather than obsessing over outcomes.
2. Reduce Anxiety and Stress – Many worries arise from overthinking results. By shifting our focus to effort, we can lead a more peaceful life.
3. Maintain Humility and Acceptance – Success and failure are temporary; what matters is the integrity of our actions.
4. Encourage Discipline and Responsibility – Instead of being discouraged by uncertainty, we should stay committed to our responsibilities.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 2.47 teaches a timeless lesson in detached action—work diligently, but do not let the fruits of your labor control you. This wisdom is especially relevant today, helping us find balance, peace, and fulfillment in both our personal and professional lives.

By internalizing this teaching, we can lead a life of purpose, free from the burdens of expectation, while remaining engaged in meaningful work.