The core of Krishna’s teaching on karma is encapsulated in the famous verse 2.47: “Karmanye vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshu kadachana, Ma karma-phala-hetur bhur, Ma te sango’stvakarmani.” (“You have a right to perform your prescribed action, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your actions, nor be attached to inaction.”) This is the philosophical heart of the Gita. It does not teach indifference or laziness; rather, it demands total engagement. Arjuna is a warrior, and his dharma (duty) is to fight. Krishna commands him to fight with all his skill, courage, and intelligence. However, he must do so without anxiety over victory or defeat, gain or loss, pleasure or pain. This detachment, known as samatvam (equanimity), is what Krishna calls Yoga (2.48).
The Gita categorizes human activity into three distinct types to help seekers navigate their moral and spiritual growth: The Bhagavad Gita on Karma bhagavad gita on karma
Krishna explains that most human actions are motivated by Sakam Karma —action performed with a desire for specific outcomes (success, money, recognition). This attachment to the outcome binds the individual to the ego and creates a cycle of anxiety. If the result is favorable, one becomes proud; if unfavorable, one becomes angry or depressed. In contrast, Nishkama Karma suggests performing one’s duty ( Svadharma ) with total dedication, offering the results to the divine. This detachment does not imply negligence or lack of care; rather, it implies a focus on the excellence of the process rather than the anxiety of the outcome. The core of Krishna’s teaching on karma is
: Focus on your prescribed duties ( Dharma ) rather than personal gain. Arjuna is a warrior, and his dharma (duty) is to fight
Selfless actions performed without attachment to the results. These actions do not bind the individual to the cycle of rebirth. 2. Karma Yoga: The Art of Action
Actions that are righteous and aligned with one’s duty (dharma), leading to positive outcomes.