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Omrat
Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 18 verse 17
Chapter 18 · Moksha Sanyasa Yoga

Ego-Free Action · Not Bound the Same Way

ॐ

यस्य नाहङ्कृतो भावो बुद्धिर्यस्य न लिप्यते । हत्वाऽपि स इमाँल्लोकान्न हन्ति न निबध्यते ॥

yasya nāhaṅkṛto bhāvo buddhir yasya na lipyate hatvā 'pi sa imāṁl lokān na hanti na nibadhyate

Meaning

"One whose nature is free from egoism, whose intellect is not tainted, even having slain these people, neither kills nor is bound."

Explanation

This is a striking image — even difficult, weighty actions don't bind us morally in the same way when they're done without personal ego driving them.

Today's Life Lesson

Notice today whether your actions come from ego or from a clearer sense of duty — the difference changes how they weigh on you.

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