4.22 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 4, Verse 22

Verse 4.22 of the Bhagavad Gita presents a beautiful portrait of an advanced Karma Yogi who has transcended the binding effects of action. In this verse, Lord Krishna describes a spiritually evolved person who remains unbound by karma despite performing actions. The Sanskrit verse "yadṛcchā-lābha-santuṣṭo dvandvātīto vimatsaraḥ; samaḥ siddhāv asiddhau ca kṛtvāpi na nibadhyate" encapsulates several profound qualities that characterize such an individual.

At the core of this verse is the concept of contentment (yadṛcchā-lābha-santuṣṭaḥ). Krishna describes a person who is satisfied with whatever comes naturally to them without excessive striving or desire. This doesn't imply laziness or apathy toward work; rather, it reflects an inner satisfaction with the fruits that arise naturally from honest effort. Such a person performs their duties diligently but remains detached from craving specific outcomes. They understand that while they can control their actions, the results are determined by numerous factors beyond their control.

The advanced Karma Yogi has also transcended the dualities (dvandvātītaḥ) that typically disturb the mind. Heat and cold, pleasure and pain, praise and criticism—these pairs of opposites constantly fluctuate in life, causing emotional turbulence for most people. However, the spiritually evolved person remains steady amidst these changing conditions. They don't get elated by favorable circumstances nor depressed by unfavorable ones. This equanimity stems from a deeper understanding that such dualities are inherent to material existence and are temporary in nature.

Another remarkable quality highlighted in this verse is freedom from envy (vimatsaraḥ). The absence of envy indicates a mind that doesn't waste energy comparing itself to others or desiring what others possess. When we compare ourselves to those we perceive as "better," pride often arises; when comparing to those we see as "inferior," envy emerges. The advanced practitioner has moved beyond this comparative mindset, recognizing the unique journey each soul undertakes. This freedom from envy creates space for genuine happiness for others' successes and compassion for their struggles.

Perhaps most striking is the ability to remain balanced in both success and failure (samaḥ siddhāv asiddhau ca). Consider a professional who works diligently on a project. If successful, they don't become arrogant or attached to the praise received; if unsuccessful, they don't fall into despair or self-criticism. They recognize that both success and failure are temporary states and that their true worth isn't defined by external outcomes. This balanced perspective allows them to learn from every experience without being emotionally derailed by it.

Imagine a teacher who prepares thoroughly for her classes. She doesn't become anxious about whether her students will appreciate her methods or achieve top marks. Instead, she focuses on delivering the best instruction possible while accepting that various factors—including each student's effort and aptitude—will influence the final results. When students excel, she celebrates their achievement without claiming it as personal glory; when they struggle, she offers support without feeling like a failure. This equanimity allows her to continue serving with clarity and purpose regardless of external validation.

The culmination of these qualities is freedom from bondage (na nibadhyate). Krishna asserts that a person embodying these traits "is never entangled, although performing actions." This is the essence of Karma Yoga—to act in the world without being bound by those actions. Most people become entangled in the web of karma because they act with attachment to results, with egotistic notions of being the doer, or with expectations of specific outcomes. The advanced practitioner, however, performs all duties as sacred offerings, maintaining inner freedom even while fully engaged in worldly responsibilities. This represents the harmonious integration of action and wisdom that Krishna emphasizes throughout the Gita.