Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 16 (BG 4.16) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 4.16 From an ordinary perspective, we understand any physical action as karma and the absence of such action as akarma. In the context of daily life's activities, this definition is appropriate. However, from the philosophical standpoint, the characteristics of karma and akarma are different. From the perspective of spiritual development, the meaning of karma should not be understood merely as its gross form—that which is expressed through the body—but it is essential to also consider the subtle intention that lies behind that action. Karma is neither inherently good nor bad in itself. The nature of karma is determined by its purpose. Just as we cannot judge whether a fruit is edible merely by its beauty, because that depends upon the elements contained within it, similarly, even actions that appear supremely noble can be sinful if their underlying intention is base and wicked. Therefore, it is said here that even the wise are bewildered in discerning the difference between karma and akarma. In modern times, one who writes poetry is called a poet, but in ancient times this term was applied to the rishis—the seers of the mantras of the Upanishads—or to wise men. Any inspired person who unveiled supreme truth was called a siddha-kavi, a perfected sage. By pointing toward this difficult problem of karma and akarma, Sri Krishna assures Arjun that He will explain to him the essence of karma and akarma, by knowing which a person can liberate himself from the bonds of worldly existence. It is universally known that any action is karma and the absence of action—remaining peacefully still—is akarma. What further knowledge is there to be gained on this matter? To this, He now speaks.