Bhagavad Gita 5.12

 

Bhagavad Gita: Understanding Verse 5.12

The Bhagavad Gita is a profound scripture that offers timeless wisdom on life, duty, and spirituality. In Chapter 5, Verse 12, Lord Krishna explains the importance of renouncing attachment to the fruits of actions, emphasizing how a person who surrenders to God attains inner peace, while one driven by desire remains entangled in material consequences.

Sanskrit Verse (5.12)

युक्तः कर्मफलं त्यक्त्वा शान्तिमाप्नोति नैष्ठिकीम्।
अयुक्तः कामकारेण फले सक्तो निबध्यते॥

Transliteration:

Yuktaḥ karma-phalaṁ tyaktvā śāntim āpnoti naiṣṭhikīm,
Ayuktaḥ kāma-kāreṇa phale sakto nibadhyate.

Translation:

"A person who is united with the Divine (yukta), having renounced the fruits of actions, attains eternal peace. But one who is not united (ayukta), being attached to the fruits of action due to desire, remains bound in this material world."

" जो व्यक्ति ईश्वर से युक्त है, और कर्मों के फलों का परित्याग कर देता है, वह शाश्वत शांति प्राप्त करता है। लेकिन जो अयुक्त नहीं है, और कामना के कारण कर्मों के फलों में आसक्त रहता है, वह इस भौतिक संसार में बंधा रहता है। "

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Explanation:

This verse highlights the contrast between two types of individuals:

1. Yukta (Spiritually Aligned Person)

   • A person who performs actions selflessly, without attachment to the outcome, attains lasting peace.

   • Such a person offers their actions as an act of devotion, recognizing that they are not the ultimate doer, but rather an instrument of the divine will.

   • This state of mind leads to inner tranquility and liberation (moksha).

2. Ayukta (Materially Attached Person)

   • One who performs actions with personal desires and expectations remains bound in the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

   • Attachment to success and failure creates mental unrest and suffering.

   • Instead of finding peace, such a person is constantly disturbed by gains and losses.

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Practical Application in Daily Life

• Detachment from Results: This verse teaches us to focus on our efforts rather than being overly concerned about outcomes. Whether in work, relationships, or personal goals, surrendering to divine will reduces stress and anxiety.

• Finding Peace in Action: By shifting from a mindset of “What will I gain?” to “How can I serve?”, we cultivate inner peace and fulfillment.

• Spiritual Growth: Understanding that all actions are part of a greater cosmic order helps us develop humility and surrender to higher wisdom.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 5.12 is a powerful reminder of the path to true peace. By performing our duties with dedication but without attachment to results, we can lead a life of harmony and spiritual progress. This principle aligns with the philosophy of Karma Yoga—acting selflessly while surrendering the outcomes to God.