Bhagavad Gita 5.10

 

Bhagavad Gita 5.10: The Path of Detachment and Purity

Sanskrit Verse:

ब्रह्मण्याधाय कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा करोति यः |
लिप्यते न स पापेन पद्मपत्रमिवाम्भसा || १० ||

Transliteration:

brahmaṇyādhāya karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā karoti yaḥ |
lipyate na sa pāpena padma-patram ivāmbhasā || 10 ||

Translation:

"He who performs his duties, offering all actions to the Supreme and renouncing attachment, remains untouched by sin, just as a lotus leaf is untouched by water."

" जो व्यक्ति अपने सभी कर्मों को भगवान को समर्पित कर तथा आसक्ति का त्याग कर अपने कर्तव्यों का पालन करता है, वह पाप से उसी प्रकार अछूता रहता है, जैसे कमल का पत्ता जल से अछूता रहता है। "

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Explanation and Commentary

In this verse, Lord Krishna explains the concept of Karma Yoga—the path of selfless action. He emphasizes that a person who dedicates all their actions to the divine (Brahman) and works without attachment remains pure, just like a lotus leaf remains unaffected by water.

Key Insights from this Verse:

1. Renouncing Attachment:

   • True detachment is not about abandoning duties but performing them without selfish motives.

   • A person should act with dedication and sincerity while surrendering the results to the divine.

2. Freedom from Sin:

   • When one works selflessly, they are not bound by karma.

   • Just as water does not stick to a lotus leaf, the consequences of actions do not taint a detached soul.

3. The Lotus Symbolism:

• The lotus grows in muddy waters but remains pure and untouched by its surroundings.

• Similarly, a person who follows Karma Yoga lives in the world but remains spiritually elevated.

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Practical Application in Life

• Work without Expectation: Perform your duties with sincerity but do not be overly concerned with success or failure.

• Spiritual Detachment: Engage with the world but do not let worldly desires control you.

• Inner Purity: Just as a lotus leaf remains untouched by water, stay untainted by negativity and selfishness.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 5.10 is a profound teaching on selfless action and spiritual purity. By surrendering our actions to the divine and working without attachment, we can lead a life of peace, purpose, and liberation from worldly burdens.