Verse 12
युक्तः कर्मफलं त्यक्त्वा शान्तिमाप्नोति नैष्ठिकीम् | अयुक्तः कामकारेण फले सक्तो निबध्यते || १२ ||
Transliteration
yuktaḥ karma-phalaṃ tyaktvā śāntim āpnoti naiṣṭhikīm ayuktaḥ kāma-kāreṇa phale sakto nibadhyate
Synonyms
yuktaḥ—one who is engaged in devotional service; karma-phalam—the results of all activities; tyaktvā—giving up; śāntim—perfect peace; āpnoti—achieves; naiṣṭhikīm—unflinching; ayuktaḥ—one who is not in union; kāma-kāreṇa—driven by desire; phale—in the result; saktaḥ—attached; nibadhyate—becomes entangled.
Translation
“The disciplined yogi, abandoning the fruit of action, attains perfect, lasting peace. The undisciplined person, driven by desire and attached to results, is bound.”
Multi-Tradition Commentary
This verse presents a stark and practical contrast. The yogi acts but surrenders results; peace is his permanent possession. The non-yogi also acts, but clings to results; anxiety, disappointment, and bondage are his inevitable companions. The difference is not in the quantity of action but in the quality of inner relationship to results. Peace is not a reward for success; it is the natural state of one who has stopped demanding results.
Practical Application (Modern Life)
The next time you feel anxious about the outcome of something important, ask yourself: 'Have I done my best with what I have?' If yes, practice surrendering the result — not passively, but actively offering it to a higher purpose. This is the practical daily application of verse 5.12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 5.12 mean?
The disciplined yogi, abandoning the fruit of action, attains perfect, lasting peace. The undisciplined person, driven by desire and attached to results, is bound.
What is the word-by-word meaning of Bhagavad Gita 5.12?
yuktaḥ—one who is engaged in devotional service; karma-phalam—the results of all activities; tyaktvā—giving up; śāntim—perfect peace; āpnoti—achieves; naiṣṭhikīm—unflinching; ayuktaḥ—one who is not in union; kāma-kāreṇa—driven by desire; phale—in the result; saktaḥ—attached; nibadhyate—becomes entangled.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 5.12 in daily life?
The next time you feel anxious about the outcome of something important, ask yourself: 'Have I done my best with what I have?' If yes, practice surrendering the result — not passively, but actively offering it to a higher purpose. This is the practical daily application of verse 5.12.