Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 12 verse 16
Chapter 12 · Bhakti Yoga

Skilled Without Grasping · Competence Without Craving

अनपेक्षः शुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथः । सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः ॥

anapekṣaḥ śucir dakṣa udāsīno gata-vyathaḥ sarvārambha-parityāgī yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ

Meaning

"That devotee of Mine is dear to Me who expects nothing, is pure, skillful, unconcerned, untroubled, and has given up all selfish undertakings."

Explanation

"Skillful" sits right next to "expecting nothing" here — real competence doesn't require grasping for a particular outcome to feel motivated.

Today's Life Lesson

Do your work skillfully today without needing a particular result to justify the effort.

More verses to reflect on