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Chapter 5 • Verse 7
The Yoga of Renunciation
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna describes the characteristics of a true yogi: one engaged in yoga (yoga-yuktaḥ) with purified self (viśuddhātmā), who has conquered the self (vijitātmā) and senses (jitendriyaḥ), and who sees the Self in all beings (sarva-bhūtātma-bhūtātmā). The key phrase: 'kurvann api na lipyate'—even while performing actions (kurvan api), he is not bound (na lipyate). This means the yogi acts without attachment—actions don't create bondage because there's no attachment to results. The yogi sees the same Self in all beings, so there's no sense of separateness that creates attachment. This is the state of true karma yoga—action without bondage.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse describes the characteristics of a true yogi: purified self, conquered senses, seeing the Self in all beings. Even while performing actions, the yogi is not bound. This means the yogi acts without attachment—actions don't create bondage because there's no attachment to results. The yogi sees the same Self in all beings, so there's no sense of separateness that creates attachment. This is the state of true karma yoga—action without bondage. You can perform your duties while remaining free because you're not attached to outcomes.
Personal Reflection
Are you bound by your actions because of attachment to results? Where do you see separateness instead of the same Self in all beings? How can you act without creating bondage?
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