Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 3 verse 18
Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga

True Independence · Free from Needing Outcomes

नैव तस्य कृतेनार्थो नाकृतेनेह कश्चन । न चास्य सर्वभूतेषु कश्चिदर्थव्यपाश्रयः ।।18।।

naiva tasya kṛtenārtho nākṛteneha kaścana na cāsya sarva-bhūteṣu kaścid artha-vyapāśrayaḥ

Meaning

"Such a person has no interest in what is done or left undone, and does not depend on any being for any purpose."

Explanation

Krishna continues describing the self-realized soul's complete independence from the need to act for personal gain.

Today's Life Lesson

Notice how much lighter you feel on the rare occasions you act without needing anything back in return.

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