A common question often arises in spiritual circles: If the ultimate goal is to worship the Supreme Lord, and if He alone grants all results, then what is the point of performing any action at all?
Would it not be better to abandon all duties and engage solely in devotion?

This is not a new dilemma. Thousands of years ago, standing on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna was torn by similar confusion. In response, Lord Krishna delivered a teaching that remains timeless and universally relevant: one has the right to perform action, but not to claim the results thereof.

The subtlety here is essential. Action, when performed with attachment to the result, becomes binding. It creates expectation, desire, anxiety, and ultimately suffering. On the other hand, the same action, when performed as a sacred duty and without any longing for reward, becomes liberating. This is the essence of karma-yoga—the yoga of action performed in detachment.

Actions Without Attachment

It is often assumed that every action must necessarily produce a result—just as eating satisfies hunger. That’s true, but Krishna instructs that the anticipation of result should not become the motivation behind action.

The wise person works out of responsibility, not desire. Attachment to results disturbs the mind and corrupts the intent.

Even the desire for heavenly pleasures, which may seem spiritual, is ultimately tainted with fruitiveness. The soul that remains entangled in calculations of gain and loss, reward and punishment, misses the higher dimension of life. To such a soul, liberation remains distant.

It is for this reason that Krishna used Arjuna—not just as a warrior in battle—but as a medium to pass down these principles to future generations. Arjuna, son of Indra, was undoubtedly qualified, yet Krishna’s purpose was greater than the war before them. It was a divine arrangement to deliver eternal truths through a relatable context.

Duty Over Desire

The Gītā does not promote passivity or escapism. It promotes purified engagement. The prohibition is not against action itself, but against action motivated by personal gain. The idea that “I will do this and get that” is what ties us down.

A person established in spiritual knowledge understands that all results—favorable or not—are under the control of the Supreme Lord. Nothing happens solely by one’s own endeavor. Even the desires that arise in our hearts are placed there by divine sanction.

What, then, is the wise course? To act, not out of desire for gain, but as an offering. To dedicate one’s efforts, large or small, to the Supreme, and accept the outcomes with composure and faith.

Why Not Just Renounce Action?

Another temptation may arise: If desireless action is so difficult, wouldn’t it be better to simply avoid action altogether?

This too is addressed. Krishna clearly warns: do not be attached to inaction. Avoiding duty due to fear of failure or spiritual misunderstanding leads to negligence, not freedom. One must perform their prescribed duties—both daily and occasional—with sincerity and mindfulness. It is only prohibited and frivolous actions that should be rejected.

Inaction, when rooted in laziness or fear, is no better than desire-driven action. It too creates consequences. Spiritual maturity lies in finding the middle path—acting without clinging, living without craving.

Equanimity: The Heart of Yoga

Equanimity—samatvam—is repeatedly emphasized as the real definition of yoga. To remain steady in both success and failure, to be unmoved by praise or criticism, to act with full energy but no ego—this is the state of the true yogi.

The Sanskrit term saṅga refers to attachment. Specifically, it refers to the emotional and mental attachment to the fruits of one’s deeds. When this attachment is given up, the mind becomes serene and actions become purer.

Optional or desire-based actions (kāmya karmas) have no place on the path of yoga. But duties—whether personal, familial, or spiritual—when performed in the right consciousness, uplift the soul.

The Miserly and the Devoted

Those who chase rewards are described in the Gītā as kr̥paṇāḥ—miserly. Not in terms of wealth, but in vision. They confine themselves to temporary gains, failing to grasp the eternity of the soul.

In contrast, those who have received the grace of the Lord develop a different kind of desire—the desire to serve Him alone. Even liberation, if it implies separation from the Lord, is not acceptable to them. Their only aspiration is: “May I serve You, life after life.”

This is not sentimentalism. It is the highest realization—that love and service to the Lord is the only real fulfillment.

In Conclusion

The path shown by Krishna is not one of rejection but transformation. Not escape, but engagement without attachment.

Act. Fulfill your responsibilities. Do your work—be it in the world, in your home, or in your inner life. But let go of the illusion that the result is yours to control. Surrender it all—every success, every failure, every step—to the Divine.

This, says Krishna, is yoga. And this, say the wise, is the eternal path to peace, liberation, and divine love.

Summary

Central Question: If the Supreme Lord gives all results, what is the need for action beyond devotion?

Krishna’s Response: Perform your duties, but do not claim the results. You have a right to action, not to its fruits.

Root of Bondage: Desire for reward (phala) causes attachment and binds the soul to material existence.

Fruitive vs. Duty-Based Action:

Fruitive actions are driven by desire and lead to suffering.

Duty-based actions (done without desire) purify the heart and lead to liberation.

Even Heavenly Desires Are Binding: Seeking even spiritual pleasures (like heaven) is considered fruitive and undesirable.

Arjuna as a Medium: Though spiritually qualified, Arjuna was chosen by Krishna to convey timeless teachings to humanity.

Results Are Not in Our Control: Outcomes are ultimately ordained by the Supreme Lord—not merely the result of personal effort.

Devotion Without Motivation: True austerities and sacrifices are performed without expecting reward. This makes them spiritually potent.

Not Inaction, but Right Action: Krishna warns against inaction, which leads to neglect of duty. Instead, act without attachment.

Equanimity Is Yoga: Staying balanced in success and failure, gain and loss—this is real yoga (samatvam).

Saṅga (Attachment): Specifically refers to attachment to the fruits of actions. Letting go brings inner peace.

Perform Obligatory Duties: Daily and occasional duties must be performed. Optional, desire-driven actions can be avoided.

Miserly vs. Devoted Souls:

Kr̥paṇāḥ (miserly): Seek rewards and stay bound.

Wise devotees: Seek only to serve the Lord, even if it means lifetime after lifetime.

Highest Desire: To serve the Supreme Lord unconditionally, without even the desire for liberation.

Conclusion

Act sincerely, offer the results to God, and let go of expectations. This is karma-yoga—the sacred art of detached, devotional living.