Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 51 (BG 2.51) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

2.51 कर्मजम् actionborn? बुद्धियुक्ताः possessed of knowledsge? हि indeed? फलम् the fruit? त्यक्त्वा having abandoned? मनीषिणः the wise? जन्मबन्धविनिर्मुक्ताः freed from the fetters of birth? पदम् the abode? गच्छन्ति go? अनामयम् beyond evil.Commentary Clinging to the fruits of actions is the cause of rirth. Man takes a body to enjoy them. If anyone performs actions for the sake of God in fulfilment of His purpose without desire for the fruits? he is released from the bonds of birth and attains to the blissful state or the immortal abode.Sages who possess evenness of mind abandon the fruits of their actions and thus escape from good and bad actions.Buddhi referred to in the three verses 49? 50 and 51 may be the wisdom of the Sankhyas? i.e.? the knowledge of the Self or AtmaJnana which dawns when the mind is purified by Karma Yoga.

Commentaries

Contemporary scholarly and practical interpretations for modern seekers.

This interpretation draws on a specific tradition and may not represent the view of any single school. For authoritative guidance within a specific tradition, seek a qualified teacher.

Modern

Those who have attained wisdom through yoga—who understand the art of living and remain free from the anxieties of results—perform all their actions while maintaining perfect equanimity of mind. Such a person is called a sage: one who is liberated from ego and selfishness. When the mind identifies with the ego, attachment to results arises, and one becomes ensnared in the bonds of karma. Only by holding a higher purpose in life can one transcend ego and selfish desire. The Lord, anticipating Arjuna's question about why he should act with equanimity, answers in this verse: the wise and discerning person—one who knows the art of living and acts without concern for fruits, maintaining perfect balance of mind—performs all duties free from ego and self-interest.