Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 2.47

Shloka 2.47

“You have a right to action alone, never to its fruits; let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor be attached to inaction.”
Key Teaching: Perform action without attachment to results, avoiding inaction.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Yoga.
Description: Krishna teaches that Arjuna has a right only to action, not its fruits, urging him to act without motive for results and avoid inaction. This seminal verse of Karma Yoga, building on 2.39–46, addresses Arjuna’s refusal (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he emphasizes duty, and Karma Yoga, as he advocates selfless action, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s hesitation (1.28–46) reflects attachment to outcomes, like killing kin (1.26–27). Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s desire for victory (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to fight as a Kshatriya without seeking rewards, aligning with dharma. This resolves his fear of sin and dishonor (2.33–36).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human attachment to results, a theme central to the *Gita*’s philosophy of detached action. Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to act selflessly. The theme of Karma Yoga emphasizes performing duty without desire, fostering liberation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its universal importance. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s duties, where selfless action ensures freedom from bondage. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with detachment, aligning with spiritual liberation.