The Yoga of Renunciation

Krishna contrasts two states: the yogi (yuktaḥ) who abandons fruits of action (karma-phalaṁ tyaktvā) attains permanent peace (naiṣṭhikīm śāntim). The non-yogi (ayuktaḥ) who is attached to fruits (phale saktaḥ) by desire (kāma-kāreṇa) is bound (nibadhyate). This is the core teaching of karma yoga: attachment to results creates bondage, while detachment from results creates freedom. The yogi acts without seeking fruits—this brings permanent peace. The non-yogi acts with desire for results—this creates bondage. The difference isn't in the action itself, but in the attitude toward results.