Bhagavad Gita

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Jnana Karm Sanyasa Yogam: Chapter 4: Verse 16

Bhagavad Gita - krishna --bhagavad gita dhyana shloka

(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

Knowing What is Action and Inaction Frees Oneself From Material Bondage

किं कर्म किमकर्मेति कवयोऽप्यत्र मोहिता: |
तत्ते कर्म प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् || 4.16||

kiṁ karma kim akarmeti kavayo ’pyatra mohitāḥ
tat te karma pravakṣhyāmi yaj jñātvā mokṣhyase ’śhubhāt || 4.16||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 4- Ver. 16:

What is the difference between action and inaction? In this regard, seers are deluded. I’ll describe that action to you, and by understanding it, you’ll be able to break out from this terrible situation (nature of samsaara).

Explanation

Knowledge of action and inaction frees one from material bondage.

The terms karma and akarma can be interpreted in two ways. Desire-driven activity is reflected in relative karma. Akarma is the desire less action that leads to liberation. All deeds are karma in the strictest sense. Atman is the passive Principle that allows all action – akarma – to take place. As more desires were implanted in your system as a result of your desire-driven activities, you experienced a boomerang effect.

Actions taken only for the sake of Realization do not acquire impurity. When you understand the constraints that worldly endeavors place on enjoyment, you develop a longing for Realization. You grow conscious of your limitations in this life and long for independence. All ambitions for the world go away when you are inspired to reach Liberation.
I will explain you what action is, says Krishna. Then you’ll understand Atman, the passive Principle. And you will be freed from the vasanas’ wickedness. As a result, you gain knowledge.

Verse & what we can learn

If one wants to be free from material bondage one should have complete knowledge about what is action and inaction.

To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.

There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There are also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.

In the Next verse, Shri Krishna tells Arjuna about three kinds of actions.

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…

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