Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 6 (BG 18.6) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

18.6 एतानि these? अपि even? तु but? कर्माणि actions? सङ्गम् attachment? त्यक्त्वा leaving? फलानि fruits? च and? कर्तव्यानि should be performed? इति thus? मे My? पार्थ O Arjuna? निश्चितम् certain? मतम् belief? उत्तमम् best.Commentary This is a summary of the doctrine of Karma Yoga enunciated before on several occasions. The fault of defect of Karma is certainly not in the action itself? but in the expectation of reward and attachment.Etani api Even these Sacrifice? charity and austerity also? in the same way as other unselfish actions. Even these refers to acts of sacrifice? charity and austerity. Actions that are performed in an unselfish spirit without attachment and idea of agency? do not stand in the way of your obtaining emancipation. When actions are done without expectation of rewards? Rajas and Tamas are destroyed and the mind is filled with Sattva or purity. Actions done with the spirit of selflessness and with discrimination are instrumental in destroying the bonds of Karma (the law of cause and effect).The Lord said Hear from Me the conclusion or the final truth about renunciation (verse 4 above). Then He said with all the force of His authority that acts of sacrifice? charity and austerity should not be given up as they are purifiers of the wise. Even these actions should be performed? etc.? is only the conclusion of what the Lord has stated in verse 4.The word Api (even) implies that the acts of sacrifice? charity and austerity should be done by an aspirant although they bind one who has attachment to the actions and a desire for their reward.Just as the seeds of trees can be rendered barren by being scorched? so the aspirant burns the fruitbearing tendency of Karma through the abandonment of the desire for the reward.

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

The performance of sacrifice, charity, and austerity should not be abandoned. Throughout the entire Bhagavad Gita, the word "attachment" (sang) is employed in many places, and it carries its own specific meaning. This word describes the relationship between the ego-identified individual and the fruits of their actions. For example, a newly married couple may desire a child. This is a natural wish. However, if they insist, "We must have a son, not a daughter," then their insistence becomes attachment (sang). To hold such rigid attachment is a mark of lack of discernment. A person overwhelmed by attachment becomes consumed by anxious and self-destructive thoughts in pursuit of their desired results. When the mind is troubled and agitated about obtaining a result even before the action is undertaken, the person's capacity to act skillfully is diminished. Therefore, the Lord's teaching is that even sacrificial and other duties should be performed without attachment to their fruits. This is the Lord Sri Krishna's own view. This does not mean His teaching is entirely original—the Vedas themselves have expounded the principle of action without desire for reward. By embracing the path of karma yoga, through the purification of the inner faculties, a person can directly realize their eternal, pure, and liberated nature. The Lord Sri Krishna addresses Arjuna affectionately as Partha, a name that indicates their intimate relationship. The Lord desires that Arjuna adopt this very way of life. After demonstrating the necessity of performing sacrifice and other duties, the Lord proceeds to speak further.