मयि सर्वाणि कर्माणि संन्यस्याध्यात्मचेतसा। निराशीर्निर्ममो भूत्वा युध्यस्व विगतज्वरः।।3.30।।
mayi sarvāṇi karmāṇi sannyasyādhyātmacetasaḥ; nirāśīḥ nirmamaḥ bhūtvā yudhyasva vigatajvaraḥ
Translation
Renounce all activities in Me, with a self‑realized consciousness; become free of desire and selfishness, and having attained that state, fight without any lethargy.
Word Meanings
mayi — unto Me; sarvāṇi — all sorts of; karmāṇi — activities; sannyasy — giving up completely; adhyātma — with full knowledge of the self; cetasaḥ — by consciousness; nirāśīḥ — without desire for profit; nirmamaḥ — without ownership; bhūtvā — being; yudhyasva — fight; vigatajvaraḥ — without lethargy
Understanding the Verse
Verse 30 of Chapter 3 encapsulates the practical application of the earlier philosophical teachings on selfless action. In the first half of the verse, Krishna instructs Arjuna to "sannyasy" (completely abandon) all "karmāṇi" (actions) in the sense that the performer should not cling to the fruits of those actions. The phrase "mayi sarvāṇi karmāṇi" emphasizes that every deed, whether mundane or grand, is to be offered to the Divine. This offering is not a ritualistic sacrifice but an inner dedication that transforms ordinary activity into a spiritual practice. By doing so, the individual aligns personal will with the cosmic will, thereby dissolving the ego‑driven motives that cause bondage.
The continuation "adhyātmacetasaḥ" adds a critical qualifier: the offering must be performed with a consciousness rooted in self‑knowledge. "Adhyātma" denotes the supramental awareness of one's true nature as part of the universal Self. When actions arise from such a grounded awareness, they lose the selfish desire for personal gain. This awareness also sharpens discernment, allowing the practitioner to differentiate between action that sustains life and action that reinforces attachment.
The second clause, "nirāśīḥ nirmamaḥ bhūtvā," intensifies the call for detachment. "Nirāśī" literally means "without longing," urging the seeker to relinquish the craving for outcomes. "Nirmama" means "without possessiveness" – a state where the doer does not consider any result as his own. Together, these qualities create a psychological equilibrium where the mind is free from the turbulence of desire and the illusion of ownership.
Having cultivated this purified mindset, Krishna commands "yudhyasva vigatajvaraḥ" – "fight without lethargy." The word "vigatajvaraḥ" literally translates to "free from fever (or lethargy)," signifying a state of vigorous, clear‑sighted action. In the battlefield metaphor, "fight" represents any struggle required to uphold righteousness (dharma). By removing desire and selfishness, the warrior can act with unwavering resolve, clarity, and moral certainty. The verse thus bridges the gap between contemplative knowledge and active engagement in the world.
In broader terms, this teaching applies to every sphere of life: work, family, society, and spiritual practice. One is never called to renounce action altogether but to transform the motive behind it. When actions become offerings performed in the light of self‑realization, they no longer generate karmic bondage. Instead, they become vehicles for spiritual evolution, enabling the individual to participate fully in worldly duties while simultaneously advancing toward liberation (mokṣa). The verse therefore offers a timeless formula for living a life of purpose, integrity, and inner freedom.
