मुक्तसङ्गोऽनहंवादी धृत्युत्साहसमन्वित: ।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योर्निर्विकार: कर्ता सात्त्विक उच्यते ॥ २६ ॥
mukta-saṅgo ‘nahaṁ-vādī dhṛity-utsāha-samanvitaḥ
siddhy-asiddhyor nirvikāraḥ kartā sāttvika uchyate
श्लोक २६: जिस कर्ता में आसक्ति और अहंकार नहीं है, जिसमें दृढ़ संकल्प और उत्साह है और जो सफलता या विफलता में समभाव रखता है, उसे सात्विक-कर्ता कहा जाता है।
Shloka 26: The doer who is free from attachments and egoism, endowed with determination and enthusiasm and remains even-minded in success or failure is known as a Sattvik-Karta.
In Bhagavad Gita chapter 18, verse 26, Lord Krishna continues His systematic analysis of action by describing the qualities of a sattvic doer (one who acts in the mode of goodness). This verse appears after Krishna has already explained the threefold division of knowledge and action, and now turns to examining the third component: the doer or agent (kartā) who performs the actions.
According to verse 18.26, a sattvic doer possesses several distinctive qualities. Such a person is free from attachment (mukta-saṅgaḥ), meaning they perform their duties without clinging to the fruits of their actions. They are not motivated by personal gain or recognition but by a sense of duty and service. This detachment doesn't mean indifference—rather, it represents a higher form of engagement that isn't dependent on outcomes.
The sattvic doer is also described as "anahaṁ-vādī"—someone who doesn't speak with egotism or arrogance. They don't constantly assert "I am the doer" or boast about their accomplishments. Instead, they understand that they are instruments in a larger cosmic process, recognizing that their abilities and opportunities come from a source beyond their individual ego.
Krishna further characterizes the sattvic doer as endowed with fortitude (dhṛti) and enthusiasm (utsāha). This combination is significant—the person possesses both steady determination and positive energy. They aren't merely stoic or merely excited; they maintain a balanced, energetic approach to their responsibilities. This creates a foundation for sustainable action rather than bursts of activity followed by burnout.
Perhaps most notably, the sattvic doer remains unchanged or unperturbed (nirvikāraḥ) in both success and failure (siddhy-asiddhyoḥ). When things go well, they don't become elated or proud; when they face setbacks, they don't become dejected or lose heart. This emotional equilibrium stems from their focus on the quality of their effort rather than attachment to results. They understand that while they control their actions, outcomes are influenced by many factors beyond their control.
A person embodying these qualities naturally rises above material conditioning. As verse 18.26 mentions, such a doer is "transcendental to the material modes of nature" despite operating within the world. They maintain inner peace and clarity regardless of external circumstances. This transcendental consciousness manifests as consistent ethical behavior, emotional stability, and purpose-driven action.
The description of the sattvic doer offers a practical template for our own development. It suggests that we evaluate not just what we do but how we do it—with what consciousness and attitude. Are we attached to outcomes? Do we seek recognition? How do we respond to success and failure? By cultivating the qualities Krishna outlines, we can transform ordinary activities into opportunities for spiritual growth and gradually elevate our consciousness from self-centered to service-oriented action.
Experience the Bhagavad Gita in a modern avatar on the BGFA app, with videos, explanations, lessons and more!
