Verse-18
Chapter 3 — Karma Yoga
Verse 18
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
naiva tasya kṛtenārtho nākṛteneha kaścana
na cāsya sarvabhūteṣu kaścidarthavyapāśrayaḥ
🕉 English Translation
📜 Translation
English
That great soul has no purpose to serve in this world by performance or non-performance of actions, and he has not the least bit of selfishness in his relationship with all beings.
For the enlightened and thoughtful persons, this style of narration of the Gita is, in fact, very impressive. One can naturally experience the fragrance of divinity associated with it. Describing the normal state at one time or giving some warning at another and then all of a sudden inspiring one towards the emotional peak is, in fact, the splendid glory of Srimad Bhagvad Gita.
The relationship of selfishness with the world and expectations are the root cause of actions. When there is an onslaught on these, selfishness is hurt and expectations do not seem to get fulfilled, then one becomes adamant not to perform actions. That is why the second half of verse no. 18 is clarifying the gist of verses 17 and 18: 'Na chaasya sarvabhuteshu kaschidarthavyapashrayah' The person does not entertain the slightest bit of selfish relationship with all creatures. Actually, there is no meaning or importance of having selfish relationship with anyone. In the world anywhere and at any time with anybody the relationship of selfishness becomes a cause primarily for the fall, tension and frustration. Selfishness will also be transformed into actions for attaining the highest good if it is directed not towards the world but towards the Supreme. Then inclination, affection, contentment will on its own become directed towards God. This is bliss and salvation.
Understand this as that in such a state, inaction, sloth may become overpowering. This is not right. Action may be performed but without causing bondage. That action can take place under the influence of desires only; it is not so. The being does not remain under the subjugation of action. Actions happen naturally. This is a sign of abidance in the Self. This state is the highest glorious state of human life. Truth is ever inherent in one's nature–'nityasattvasthah' (Gita 2/45).