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Omrat
Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 5 verse 7
Chapter 5 · Karma Sanyasa Yoga

Seeing Yourself in Others · The Real Detachment

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योगयुक्तो विशुद्धात्मा विजितात्मा जितेन्द्रियः । सर्वभूतात्मभूतात्मा कुर्वन्नपि न लिप्यते ॥

yoga-yukto viśuddhātmā vijitātmā jitendriyaḥ sarva-bhūtātma-bhūtātmā kurvann api na lipyate

Meaning

"One who is united in yoga, purified in self, self-controlled, with senses mastered, and who sees the same self in all beings, is not bound even while acting."

Explanation

Seeing yourself in others isn't just a nice sentiment here — it's described as what actually frees a person while they're still fully engaged in the world's work. Connection, not withdrawal, turns out to be the real detachment.

Today's Life Lesson

As you go through today's tasks, try seeing a bit of yourself in everyone you deal with — it keeps action from becoming isolating.

All verses

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