कर्मजं बुद्धियुक्ता हि फलं त्यक्त्वा मनीषिणः ।
जन्मबन्धविनिर्मुक्ताः पदं गच्छन्त्यनामयम् ॥ ५१ ॥
karma-jaṁ buddhi-yuktā hi phalaṁ tyaktvā manīṣhiṇaḥ
janma-bandha-vinirmuktāḥ padaṁ gachchhanty-anāmayam
स्थिर बुद्धि वाले विद्वान मनुष्य अपने कर्मों के फल के प्रति आसक्ति को त्याग देते हैं। इस प्रकार वे स्वयं को जन्म और मृत्यु के चक्र से मुक्त कर लेते हैं और सर्वोच्च स्थिति को प्राप्त कर लेते हैं जो सभी दुखों से परे हो ।
Wise men of stable intelligence, renounce attachment to the fruits of their actions and thus liberate themselves from the cycle of birth and death and attain the supreme state free of any misery.
Bhagavad Gita verse 2.51 represents a significant turning point in Krishna's teachings, as He introduces for the first time a destination higher than Swarga (heaven) – the state of liberation. In this verse, Krishna elaborates on what awaits those who practice Nishkama Karma Yoga, or selfless action without attachment to results.
The Sanskrit verse "karma-jaṁ buddhi-yuktā hi phalaṁ tyaktvā manīṣiṇaḥ janma-bandha-vinirmuktāḥ padaṁ gacchanty anāmayam" can be translated as: "The wise, engaged in devotional service, take refuge in the Lord, and free themselves from the cycle of birth and death by renouncing the fruits of action in the material world". In simpler terms, those who act with equanimity and renounce the fruits of their actions are liberated from the cycle of birth and attain a state free from suffering.
Krishna has repeatedly used the word "buddhi" (intelligence) in previous verses, and here "buddhi yoga" refers specifically to using one's intelligence to remain detached from the results of one's work. This practice is the essence of Nishkama Karma Yoga. When one performs actions without attachment to their fruits, they are considered to have conquered the mind – the seat of desires and aspirations that typically bind us to the material world.
The core message of this verse lies in understanding the causal relationship between karma and rebirth. Our actions (karma) produce reactions that bind us to the cycle of birth and death. Every action has consequences, creating another form of bondage. As Prabhupada explains, we are like frames in a film reel – one picture passes, another is present, and another follows, creating the illusion of continuous activity. We are bound by nature's laws in this conditioned stage of life, with no true freedom despite our claims otherwise.
By performing one's dharmic duties without attachment to results, one gradually becomes free from karma. Since karma is the cause of repeated birth and death, liberation from karma means liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. The soul no longer needs to take birth in the next life and becomes truly free. This state is described as "anāmayam" – a place or condition entirely free from suffering and misery.
Interestingly, Krishna doesn't provide extensive details about this liberated state in this verse, only mentioning that it is free from all miseries. This suggests that the focus should be on the process of liberation rather than speculating about its exact nature. By understanding our constitutional position in relation to the Lord, we avoid the misconception that the living entity's position equals the Lord's sublime position.
The verse ultimately points to a profound truth: that our conventional pursuit of happiness through material acquisition can never lead to lasting fulfillment. True freedom comes not from changing external circumstances but from transforming our relationship with action itself. By working without attachment to results, performing duties with devotion, and renouncing the fruits of action, we can attain that state beyond all miseries – the ultimate solution to life's suffering.
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