Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 11 (BG 5.11) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

The endeavor of the karma yogi is to remain established in one's own true nature while witnessing all the events unfolding within and without, without identifying with them—observing them merely as a witness. After practicing this for some time, it becomes clear to him that all actions are performed through the instruments of the body and mind, and the witness has no real connection with them. Yet he must understand that this witnessing, or the witness itself, is not the ultimate truth. Rather, it is the supreme reality peering through the window of the intellect that appears as this witness. Our experience shows that when we observe ourselves acting, we become aware of this witnessing consciousness. The pure consciousness that is the nature of the atman—that is what illuminates even this observer. This is the declaration of the Upanishads. If the supreme truth lies beyond even witnessing, why should the karma yogi practice this witness consciousness? The answer is: for the purification of the inner being. When one acts with witness consciousness, the ego naturally falls away, and the accumulated impressions and desires of the past are gradually destroyed. The greater the dissolution of these desires, the purer and more stable the inner being becomes, and in that clarity, the experience of the supreme Self shines forth distinctly. For the following reason also does the karma yogi perform action with non-attachment: