योगयुक्तो विशुद्धात्मा विजितात्मा जितेन्द्रिय: ।
सर्वभूतात्मभूतात्मा कुर्वन्नपि न लिप्यते ॥ ७ ॥
yoga-yukto viśhuddhātmā vijitātmā jitendriyaḥ
sarva-bhūtātma-bhūtātmā kurvann api na lipyate
श्लोक ७: जो मनुष्य कर्मयोग के मार्ग पर दृढ़ रहता है, भीतर से शुद्ध है, स्वयं पर नियंत्रण रखता है, अपने मन व इंद्रियों को वश में रखता है और सभी प्राणियों को अपने समान देखता है, वह कर्म में संलग्न रहते हुए भी कभी कर्मों से बँधता नहीं है।
Shloka 7: One who remains steadfast in the path of Karma Yoga is pure within, is self-controlled, has mastery over the mind and senses and sees all beings as equal to oneself, is never bound by actions despite engaging in them.
In Bhagavad Gita verse 5.7, Lord Krishna continues his explanation of Karma Yoga, specifically addressing how one can perform actions without becoming bound by them. This verse is particularly significant as it describes the qualities of an ideal Karma Yogi who has mastered the art of detached action.
The verse begins by describing such a practitioner as "yoga-yukta" or one who is fully engaged in spiritual practice. Krishna explains that this person possesses a purified intelligence (viśuddhātma), indicating that their mind is free from the contamination of material desires and misconceptions. This purification comes through consistent spiritual practice and selfless action.
Furthermore, Krishna describes this individual as "vijitātmā" - one who has conquered their mind. The mind is naturally restless, jumping from one desire to another, but the accomplished Karma Yogi has gained mastery over these mental fluctuations. This self-control is complemented by "jitendriya" - control over the senses. Rather than being pulled in various directions by sensory attractions, such a person has their senses firmly under their command.
Perhaps most profound is the description "sarva-bhūtātmā-bhūtātmā" - one whose self has become the self of all beings. This doesn't mean losing one's identity, but rather developing a universal consciousness where you recognize the same divine essence in all beings. This elevated perspective allows the Karma Yogi to act as a true well-wisher of all, seeing beyond superficial differences to the underlying unity of existence.
Krishna concludes with "kurvan api na lipyate" - even while performing actions, such a person is not bound by them. This is the essence of Karma Yoga: the ability to act in the world without attachment to the fruits of those actions. While ordinary people become entangled in the web of karma through their desires and attachments, the Karma Yogi remains free even while fully engaged in work.
This verse beautifully illustrates that true renunciation is not about abandoning actions but performing them with the right consciousness. The Karma Yogi doesn't withdraw from the world but engages with it fully, yet remains inwardly detached. Their actions flow from a place of devotion rather than desire, service rather than self-interest.
In the context of Arjuna's dilemma on the battlefield, this teaching is particularly relevant. Krishna is showing Arjuna that he can fulfill his duty as a warrior without accruing negative karma, provided he acts with the right consciousness - with purified intelligence, controlled mind and senses, and seeing the same divine essence in all beings. This is the practical wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita: not to escape from life's challenges, but to face them with spiritual awareness, performing necessary actions while remaining inwardly free.
Experience the Bhagavad Gita in a modern avatar on the BGFA app, with videos, explanations, lessons and more!
