Listed here are 16 amazing Karma Bhagavad Gita quotes, that inspire one to discipline the mind and pursue right action with the right attitude.
The essence of these 16 Karma Bhagavad Gita quotes is that : An action is Right, when the intention is selfless, noble and creatively constructive. This practice of ‘Nishkamya Karma’, or selfless execution of duties with equanimity and serenity, without attachment to the fruits, is the true spirit of Karma Yoga.
Therefore, Karma Yoga, is a transformation of duty-related work into something divine, selfless, absorbing and beautiful! The profound Gita Karma quotes inspire us to infuse joy and fulfillment in everyday-work by elevating it to the divinity of selfless worship!
What is Karma? What is the relevance of Karma quotes from the Gita?
The Law of Karma states that what you sow is what you will reap. And Karma is nothing but accumulated action, on both the physical and mental planes, in all of ones lives
Through these divine Karma Bhagavad Gita quotes, Lord Krishna resolves Prince Arjuna’s fear/confusion about creating bad karma by slaying his own kin.
As per the Hindu doctrine of reincarnation, the (eternal) Soul transmigrates to another body on death. Accordingly, the net balance of accumulated good Karma v/s bad Karma of all previous lives, determines the quality of the next life.
This is beautifully explained by Swami Sivananda here while also reiterating that one can change ones destiny through positive Karma.
Desires (Vasanas), lead to thoughts that impel the egoistic mind (Ahankara) towards actions (Karma) for their fulfillment
While chasing these desires, Man fully engages his mind, body, intellect and his emotions, producing good/ bad Karma. He then hopelessly moves from life to life, reaping the fruits of these actions, till his Karma-store is exhausted.
But the problem is it never exhausts, because new desires keep taking over, creating basis for fresh Karma. Read all about the wisdom in Love Bhagavad Gita quotes here.
The Gita Karma quotes explain how this vicious circle can be eradicated by Yoga (Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga or Jnana Yoga).
Lord Krishna clarifies the Karma concept through these 16 divine Karma Bhagavad Gita quotes.
16 Inspiring Karma Bhagavad Gita quotes!
1. Shun ‘Paralysis of analysis’ says Karma Bhagavad Gita quote 41; chapter 2
Vyavasaayaatmikaa buddhir ekeha kurunandana; Bahushaakhaa hyanantaashcha buddhayo’vyavasaayinaam. (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 41)
Translation: Here (as in in Karma Yoga), there is a one-pointedness! The ones who have endless branches of thoughts are irresolute (and not Karma Yogis)
Meaning: This verse refers to the modern-day malady! How we over-analyze every single slated action and how we perform post mortems on the ones just done.
Is this course of action viable? Or, how much is the return-on-time- invested? How is this course better than ten others?
Or, What are ‘they’ thinking? How can I up my game?
Consequently, our best laid plans; including the selfless, philanthropic ones never see the light of the day. Our ruthless dissection and over-analysis have sucked the very joy out of it!
Then, even if we want to, we just can’t action the plan, since there isn’t any time left!
Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita does not advocate being foolhardy or leaping before looking. Instead, it simply advises us to resolutely plunge into action after an appropriate consideration of the pros and cons.
Read more on how to enhance willpower with Bhagavad Gita advice
2. Keep up the Fortitude amidst difficulties says Karma Bhagavad Gita quotes 14/38; chapter 2
Maatraasparshaastu kaunteya sheetoshnasukhaduhkhadaah; Aagamaapaayino’nityaas taamstitikshaswa bhaarata. (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 14)
Translation: The heat, cold, pain and pleasure, caused by the senses are transitory, with a beginning and an end. So endure them bravely, Arjuna!
Sukhaduhkhe same kritwaa laabhaalaabhau jayaajayau; Tato yuddhaaya yujyaswa naivam paapamavaapsyasi. (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 38)
Translation: Treat pleasure and pain, loss and gain, victory and defeat as the same and go right up and fight the war…
Meaning: Bhagavad Gita here calls out to Karma Yogis to develop equanimity and fortitude in the face of a million difficulties and obstacles.
Life is full of ups and downs. A Karma Yogi should pre-empt that despite his best efforts, things may not always work out the way they should. And yet, he must take these wins and losses in his stride.
While marching ahead on his path, he may find numerous obstacles, difficulties or even temptations that may upset him, distract him or discourage him, so he gives up. But a Karma Yogi must maintain his equilibrium and fortitude so that no ‘pleasure or pain’ can detract him.
3. Be ego-free, detached from the worldly things, says Karma Bhagavad Gita quote 57;chapter 2
Yah sarvatraanabhisnehas tattat praapya shubhaashubham; Naabhinandati na dweshti tasya prajnaa pratishthitaa (Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 57)
Translation: The one who neither celebrates nor despises, be it good or bad, but is present (active) without attachment, he has steady wisdom.
Meaning: A key requirement for advancement in Karma Yoga is detachment from all sensuous things of the world, especially the egoistic desire and an egoistic sense of self.
A Karma Yogi should be anchored in his Divine Self. But if he identifies with the mind and its agitations then his ego- sense (ahankara) is born. As soon as an ego-sense takes over, the joy of living walks out.
After that, Ego keeps agitating with petty thoughts like ‘how do I look’ and ‘what will others think’. A fast way to lose the path on Karma Yoga.
Also, Ego increases the deluge of desires and attachments. Hence, an individual, excessively attached to his kith and kin, will only serve his family, ignoring every other needy person in the world.
So, while being immersed in ‘right action’ one must be armed with equanimity, and perfect detachment.
Being overly egoistic, emotional, attached and enslaved to worldly affairs can kill the inner quietude, so integral to Karma Yoga.
4. Good work is doing Good deeds not blind Ritualism, say Karma Bhagavad Gita quotes 43/44; chapter 2
The following two verses, point to the fallacy of a very popular Hindu belief. Especially in olden times when Hindus blindly believed, that performance of Yajnas and countless other rituals was a passport to heaven also pleasure/power in their current lives.
Kaamaatmaanah swargaparaa janmakarmaphalapradaam; Kriyaavisheshabahulaam bhogaishwaryagatim prati. (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2 Verse 43)
Translation : The ones who utter words (yajna verses) on the promise that they will achieve their goals of pleasure, power, a good next life or a heavenly afterlife…
Bhogaishwarya prasaktaanaam tayaapahritachetasaam; Vyavasaayaatmikaa buddhih samaadhau na vidheeyate. (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 44.
Translation: Those who cling to pleasure and power, and are drawn to teachings that promise the same; meditation, samadhi (or even Karma Yoga) is not for them.
Meaning: The Bhagavad Gita gives clear gives a thumbs up to real good actions (work) against work involving blind ritualism.
Hinduism has been through some rough, soul-searching times in the past. Back then, rituals were given priority over personal virtues. Not only this, the caste system had morphed into something ugly.
Brahmin priests exploited the fact that the Sanskrit scriptures were beyond the common man. So, for their selfish interests, religious rules and rituals were made mandatory basis twisted scriptural interpretations.
Sage Vyasa in the composition of the Mahabharata has addressed this issue, by upholding ‘Right work’ against mindless rituals.
Accordingly, the Gita denounces those who quote Vedas perfunctorily, and practice rituals, lusting for worldly gains and a heavenly afterlife. It also criticizes the delusory belief that performing rituals pass off for ‘good karma’; and that they cancel out one’s hopeless day-to-day immorality.
The Bhagavad Gita says those who refuse to enhance their inner spiritual virtues but simply chase external rituals for pleasure and power cannot hope to become the best version of themselves.
5. Focus on good efforts and not on the rewards, says Karma Bhagavad Gita quote 47;chapter 2
Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana; Maa karmaphalahetur bhoor maa te sango’stwakarmani. (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47)
Translation: One has the right to do (good) work but not the right to expect the fruits (of the good work). Never let the results of good work be the only motive for action nor allow inclination towards inaction take over…
Meaning : Good Karma performed with the motive of rewards, creates bondage to the endless cycle of birth and death. Only when one casts away the desire for rewards, then one moves closer to Perfection. Then, the results/rewards will pan out justly in its own time. Hence, let agitations about them not be obstacles to concentrated efforts.
Read more on Swami Vivekananda’s teachings , Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s teachings and how to make ethical decisions based on Bhagavad Gita teachings
6. Detachment towards results, rewards will lead to superior action, say Karma Bhagavad Gita quote 48; chapter 2 and quote 12; chapter 5
Yogasthah kuru karmaani sangam tyaktwaa dhananjaya; Siddhyasiddhyoh samo bhootwaa samatwam yoga uchyate. (The Bhagavad Gita, chapter 2, verse 48)
Translation: Be steady and fixed in Yoga and continue doing (good) action, Arjuna! Renounce attachment and maintain equipoise in both success and failure! Yoga is simply ‘Steadiness (serenity/evenness) of mind’.
Yuktah karmaphalam tyaktwaa shaantim aapnoti naishthikeem; Ayuktah kaamakaarena phale sakto nibadhyate (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 5, Verse 12)
Translation: The one (Karma Yogi) who has harmonized himself, by detaching himself from the fruit of action, attains Immortal Peace; but he is bound who is unsteady and agitated with the desire for fruits.
Meaning: the state of Yoga, that unbroken state of serenity, calmness, quietude is that peaceful point when the best creative juices flow.
Bhagavad Gita says that when we become detached with the rewards of our efforts, or the positive/negative outcomes of our endeavor, and devote our energies fully to the present moment, our creativity shoots through the roof.
This heightened creativity, helps us produce Karma (work) of the most sublime quality… maybe an exquisite painting, or a touching piece of poetry or an innovative business idea.
On the other hand, if we keep obsessing over the results, our anxiety will constantly disrupt an otherwise inspired piece of work. The concentration and positivity required for a beautiful piece of work, will be plagued by negativity.
That’s why the Bhagavad Gita says, immerse yourself in your chosen Karma and don’t think about the results. That is the only way to exemplary output.
7. Being Desire-free (for rewards) will also lead to liberation, says Karma Bhagavad Gita quote 51; chapter 2
Karmajam buddhiyuktaa hi phalam tyaktwaa maneeshinah; Janmabandha vinirmuktaah padam gacchantyanaamayam. (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2 verse 51)
Translation : The wise knowingly renounce the fruit of their actions. Thus, released from the chains of re-birth, they take off (get liberated) beyond evil
Meaning: Constant desires for rewards of Karma is the cause of rebirth. But, these desires, when given up through Karma Yoga, become incapable of binding one to the Samsaric cycle. Instead, one would achieve the highest bliss of Divine liberation
8. Perform and don’t renounce duties say Karma Bhagavad Gita quotes 4/8; chapter 3
Na karmanaam anaarambhaan naishkarmyam purusho’shnute; Na cha sannyasanaad eva siddhim samadhigacchati. (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, Verse 4)
Translation: A man does not reach perfection (highest version of Self) by mere renunciation, nor by giving up of actions)
Niyatam kuru karma twam karma jyaayo hyakarmanah; Shareerayaatraapi cha te na prasiddhyed akarmanah (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3 Verse 8)
Meaning : Bhagavad Gita alludes to those actions, where duties are abandoned under the guise of renunciation. For example, consider a man who abandons his starving family, under the guise of renunciation. Or a mother who abandons her infants for the ‘higher calling’ of social service.
However, if these very individuals, through Karma Yoga, selflessly dedicate their lives for supporting the family, the society, and not expect any reward in return for their tireless service then that would be renunciation of action in the truest sense.
There is another type of inaction where one simply doesn’t strive. Whether one is at work or at home, this individual exerts himself minimally under the guise of renunciation.
Oh, why should I work harder, I don’t want that raise! Why should I exert to assist my family when I am detached?!
This attitude of Akarma (idleness/laziness) disguised as detachment is denounced by the Bhagavad Gita.
As per the Hindu philosophy of Purushartha, Artha (material prosperity) is one of key duties of a householder along with Dharma (duties), Kama (pleasure) and Moksha (liberation). Read about Bhagavad Gita quotes on Dharma here Dharma and Sanatan Dharma here
Hence it is mandatory for a person to perform all his duties diligently towards his home, office, society and country.
Inertia (Akarma) will not only degrade one’s physical and intellectual capacities but also dent his society and nation at large.
9. Transmute the energy conserved by sense control, for higher purposes, says Karma Bhagavad Gita quote 7; chapter 3
Yastwindriyaani manasaa niyamyaarabhate’rjuna; Karmendriyaih karmayogam asaktah sa vishishyate (The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 , Verse 7)
Translation: The one who reins in the sense-organs through the mind, O Arjuna, and instead executes Karma Yoga (through his action-organs) without any attachment, he excels!
Meaning : A true Karma Yogi, does not fritter away precious time or energy in pleasure pursuits. Instead he transmutes this energy so he can use it for work of the most sublime quality in his chosen field of endeavour.
10. Be a role model of the true spirit of this Yoga, say Karma Bhagavad Gita quotes 21/25; chapter 3
Yadyad aacharati shreshthas tattadevetaro janah; Sa yat pramaanam kurute lokas tad anuvartate. (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, Verse 21)
Translation : A great (Karma Yogi) sets up a standard, that the world emulates, others too try to do what he does.
Saktaah karmanyavidwaamso yathaa kurvanti bhaarata; Kuryaad vidwaam stathaa saktash chikeershur lokasangraham. (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, Verse 25)
Translation: Wishing for the general welfare of mankind, the wise (Karma Yogi) must (diligently) act without attachment in the face of many ignorant, who acts with attachments (of desire and greed)
Meaning: Being a Karma Yogi means living the ‘Path-of-action’ in the purest sense. A Karma yogi must set an ideal example for others to follow.
Therefore, a Karma Yogi must strive to exemplify ‘Right action’ by
- Striving towards his duties for the welfare of his family, society
- While working enthusiastically, whole-heartedly and unselfishly
- Also remaining Ego-free and detached towards the rewards of actions
- But maintaining full sense control and transmuting that energy towards Karma Yoga
- Finally, maintaining equilibrium and fortitude in the face of a million obstacles, temptations or failures.
11. This Yoga is beyond pure physical action says Karma Bhagavad Gita quote 18, chapter 4
Karmanyakarma yah pashyed akarmani cha karma yah; Sa buddhimaan manushyeshu sa yuktah kritsnakarmakrit. (The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 18)
Translation: One who sees inaction in action and action in inaction, is enlightened and also the (real) performer.
Meaning: Karma need not be just physical action. The action by a poet or a writer where he quietly creates is also Karma. An intelligent man can fully grasp this idea
Bhagavad Gita also reminds us to dedicate all physical and mental endeavours to God. When one performs good Karma and dedicates those actions to God, he gives up the feeling that ‘I am the doer’, and the ego instantly dies. Similarly when he gives up the fruits of his actions, Vasanas (desires) die. And this very action paves the way for his enlightenment.
Read all about Bhagavad Gita quotes for students here, also Bhagavad Gita on happiness here
Types of Karma : Choose the right type for Karma Yoga
According to the scriptures Karma can be of 3 types:
- Positive Action/Karma, deployed creatively for spiritual development/ material progress/ societal welfare. These are of 3 types:
- Nitya Karma: Daily obligatory duties
- Naimittika Karma: Special duties on special occasions
- Kamya Karma: Actions directed towards achievement of a specific goal.
- Negative Action or Vikarma
- Destructive activities causing physical or mental anguish to self/others in the long run
- Inaction or Akarma
- Strongly advised against by all scriptures
Karma is also made up of three parts:
- Sanchita: It is that Karmic part which is the accumulated past; evident in the character of the person.
- Prarabdha: It is that Karmic part which is the cause of the current body and circumstance.
- Kriyamana: It is the Karmic part that is building up currently for the future.
Advantages of Good Karma : Karma Yoga
- Inspires creatively superior work.
- While bringing out the best as one is fully in the present moment
- Also conducive of highest peace and harmony
- While eliminating anxiety, agitations and restlessness
- Discourages judgmental living by weeding out strong likes and dislikes
- Instead, promotes a more humane and considerate approach towards everyone.
- Also, sets a naturally good role model for others to follow
- While sows the seeds for a brighter future through positive actions
- Promotes an attitude of service orientation towards people’s welfare
- While imbibing a deep feeling of joy and humility (due to being attachment free and ego-free)
- Inspires greater fortitude and tireless zeal
- Finally, promotes a feeling of Divine guidance in Life
Disadvantages of Bad Karma
- Agitates the mind, causing restlessness and anxiety
- The hankering after desire gratification increases greed and ego-sense
- Susceptible to instability caused by oscillating emotions of joy and sorrow, loss and victory.
- Always under physical and mental exhaustion due to heavy toil induced by greedy desires.
- Excessive greed leads to becoming inconsiderate and unethical.
- Easily swayed by lust, greed and anger, into the immoral, malicious and unrighteous zone.
- Concentrated work not possible due to energy dissipation on chasing rewards.
- Inferior quality of work due to a mind disturbed by result-orientation
- Selfishness and ego centricity makes one blind to others safety.
- Constant sense -gratification can lead to loss of vitality, dignity and status.
- Others vices that promptly infest are a lack of self control, procrastination, arrogance and obstinacy
Karma Yoga or the ‘Path of Action’ is for the energetic Rajasic personalities who thrive on action
To find out more about the Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, Read here
Good luck on your path of a Karma Yogi!
Internal Reading
Also Read about the dilemmas of a cosmopolitan Hindu, a ready reckoner on Hinduism for him and find out 3 amazing similarities between Bhagavad Gita’s concept of virtues and Dharma and Plato’s Republic. Also read the Significance of Republic Day and Significance of Makar Sankranti and all about Vasant Panchami Saraswati Puja here, Read about the significance,legends, rituals and mantras of the grand Mahashivratri.
Read about the dilemmas of a cosmopolitan Hindu, a ready reckoner on Hinduism for him and find out 3 amazing similarities between Bhagavad Gita’s concept of virtues and Dharma and Plato’s Republic. Also read the Significance of Republic Day and Significance of Makar Sankranti and all about Vasant Panchami Saraswati Puja here, Read about the significance,legends, rituals and mantras of the grand Mahashivratri.
Learn all about the Mundaka Upanishad and Satyamev Jayate here, Swami Vivekananda quotes on self confidence and fear, 20 best Dhyana Yoga verses here, Powerful Ram mantras, Sattva Rajas Tamas
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