{"slug":"bhagavad-gita-2-47","title":"bhagavad gita 2.47","summary":"Bhagavad Gita 2.47 establishes the fundamental principle of karma yoga, teaching that individuals have the right to perform their duties but should remain detached from results, avoid ego-driven claims of causation, and never use this philosophy to justify inaction.","content_md":"# Bhagavad Gita 2.47\n\n**Bhagavad Gita 2.47** is one of the most quoted and philosophically significant verses in Hindu scripture, presenting the foundational principle of **karma yoga** (the path of selfless action). This verse appears in the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, titled \"Sankhya Yoga\" or \"The Yoga of Knowledge,\" where Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna on the nature of duty and detachment.\n\n## The Sanskrit Verse\n\nThe original Sanskrit text reads:\n**कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।\nमा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥**\n\n*karmaṇy evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana\nmā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo 'stv akarmaṇi* [4]\n\n## Translation and Meaning\n\nThe verse is commonly translated as: **\"You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.\"** [2][4]\n\nThis translation reveals four key philosophical components:\n\n1. **Right to Action** (*karmaṇy evādhikāras te*): Every individual has the inherent right and responsibility to perform their prescribed duties\n2. **Detachment from Results** (*mā phaleṣu kadācana*): One should not be attached to or expect specific outcomes from their actions\n3. **Rejection of Ego** (*mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr*): One should not consider oneself the sole cause or controller of results\n4. **Avoidance of Inaction** (*mā te saṅgo 'stv akarmaṇi*): One should not use this philosophy as an excuse for inaction or laziness\n\n## Philosophical Context\n\n### Karma Yoga Foundation\n\nThis verse establishes the fundamental principle of **karma yoga**, one of the three primary paths to spiritual liberation in Hindu philosophy. Krishna presents this teaching to address Arjuna's moral dilemma about fighting in the Kurukshetra war, but the principle extends far beyond the battlefield to all aspects of human life [6].\n\n### The Problem of Attachment\n\nAccording to Krishna's teaching, human suffering primarily stems from attachment to outcomes. When people perform actions while being emotionally invested in specific results, they experience anxiety during the process and either elation or disappointment afterward. This emotional rollercoaster binds individuals to the cycle of desire and suffering [5].\n\n### Divine Agency and Human Effort\n\nThe verse acknowledges that while humans have the capacity and responsibility to act, the ultimate results depend on numerous factors beyond individual control. Krishna explains that **actions in the material world are shaped by a combination of factors—our body, mind, abilities, circumstances, and the workings of nature** [5]. This understanding helps practitioners develop humility and reduces the ego's tendency to claim credit for successes or blame for failures.\n\n## Practical Applications\n\n### Modern Interpretations\n\nContemporary spiritual teachers and philosophers have applied this verse to various aspects of modern life:\n\n- **Professional Life**: Performing one's job duties with excellence while remaining detached from promotions, recognition, or financial rewards\n- **Relationships**: Loving and caring for others without expecting specific responses or behaviors in return\n- **Creative Endeavors**: Engaging in artistic or intellectual pursuits for their intrinsic value rather than for fame or commercial success\n- **Social Service**: Contributing to society and helping others without seeking acknowledgment or personal benefit\n\n### Psychological Benefits\n\nPractitioners of this philosophy often report several psychological benefits:\n- Reduced anxiety and stress related to outcomes\n- Increased focus and efficiency in task performance\n- Greater resilience in the face of failure or setbacks\n- Enhanced sense of inner peace and contentment\n- Freedom from the compulsive need for external validation\n\n## Commentarial Traditions\n\n### Classical Interpretations\n\nTraditional commentators like **Adi Shankara**, **Ramanuja**, and **Madhva** have provided detailed explanations of this verse, each emphasizing different aspects according to their philosophical schools [4]. These commentaries explore the metaphysical implications of action, duty, and divine will.\n\n### Contemporary Teachers\n\nModern spiritual teachers like **Swami Mukundananda** have made this ancient wisdom accessible to contemporary audiences, providing practical guidance on implementing these principles in daily life [1]. These interpretations often bridge the gap between ancient Sanskrit concepts and modern psychological understanding.\n\n## Criticisms and Debates\n\nSome modern critics have questioned whether this philosophy might lead to:\n- **Passive acceptance** of unjust social conditions\n- **Exploitation by authorities** who benefit from others' selfless service\n- **Lack of ambition** or drive for improvement\n\nHowever, defenders argue that true karma yoga actually requires **intense engagement** and **skillful action**, not passive resignation. The philosophy encourages excellence in performance while maintaining emotional equilibrium [7].\n\n## Cultural Impact\n\nBhagavad Gita 2.47 has profoundly influenced:\n- **Indian philosophy** and spiritual practice for over two millennia\n- **Modern leadership theories** emphasizing process over results\n- **Mindfulness and meditation practices** worldwide\n- **Ethical frameworks** in business and governance\n- **Psychological approaches** to stress management and personal development\n\nThe verse continues to be quoted in contexts ranging from corporate boardrooms to therapeutic settings, demonstrating its enduring relevance across cultures and centuries.\n\n## Related Topics\n\n- Karma Yoga\n- Bhagavad Gita\n- Lord Krishna\n- Arjuna\n- Detachment in Hindu Philosophy\n- Dharma and Duty\n- Mahabharata\n- Selfless Service\n\n## Summary\n\nBhagavad Gita 2.47 establishes the fundamental principle of karma yoga, teaching that individuals have the right to perform their duties but should remain detached from results, avoid ego-driven claims of causation, and never use this philosophy to justify inaction.\n\n\n\n","sources":[{"url":"https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/chapter/2/verse/47/","title":"BG 2.47: Chapter 2, Verse 47 - Bhagavad Gita, The Song of God – Swami Mukundananda","snippet":"Read the Bhagavad Gita online with profound and easy-to-understand commentary by Swami Mukundananda. Unravel the philosophy of life and the spiritual essence of the Bhagavad Gita in the most practical and systematic way. With original Sanskrit verses in Devanagari, audio clips, Roman transliteration and meaning in English."},{"url":"https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/2/47/","title":"Bhagavad-gītā As It Is 2.47 - Online Vedabase","snippet":"You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty · There are three considerations here: prescribed duties, capricious work, and ..."},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/mahabharata/comments/1he07x7/you_have_a_right_to_perform_your_prescribed/","title":"r/mahabharata on Reddit: \"You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.\" — Bhagavad Gita 2.47","snippet":"Sounds like HR corporate speak tbh. It's the same as \"you have a right to work at our company but you're not entitled to a salary\" More on reddit.com"},{"url":"https://www.bhagavad-gita.us/bhagavad-gita-2-47/","title":"Bhagavad Gita 2.47 | The Bhagavad Gita with Commentaries of Ramanuja, Madhva, Shankara and Others","snippet":"Bhagavad Gita 2.47 Posted by The Editor | Sep 13, 2012 | Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2 | 31,214 views karmaṇy evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te sańgo 'stv akarmaṇi Translation of Bhagavad Gita 2.47 You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action."},{"url":"https://www.bhagavadgitaforall.com/verses/2-47","title":"2.47 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 2, Verse 47","snippet":"Krishna further elaborates that considering oneself the absolute “doer” or sole cause of actions is itself a misconception. According to the Gita, actions in the material world are shaped by a combination of factors—our body, mind, abilities, circumstances, and the workings of nature."},{"url":"https://www.srimadgita.com/blog/verse-247-karma-yoga-deep-dive","title":"Bhagavad Gita 2.47 Deep Dive: The Most Quoted Verse","snippet":"An in-depth analysis of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 47 - the most famous verse on karma yoga. Understand 'karmanye vadhikaraste' word by word, its philosophy, and practical applications."},{"url":"https://vivekavani.com/b2v47/","title":"Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2, Verse 47","snippet":"Who knows, and who dares to say, whether it is good and how it shall move? Thousands of circumstances are crowding round it, giving it a special impulse, making it dull at one time and quicker at another. Who dares command its motion? Ours is only to work, as the Gita says, without looking ..."},{"url":"https://www.shlokam.org/bhagavad-gita/2-47/","title":"BG 2.47: Chapter 2, Verse 47 - Bhagavad Gita - Shlokam","snippet":"Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 47 - 2.47 karmany-evadhikaras karmaṇyevādhikāraste mā phaleṣu kadācana mā karmaphalaheturbhūrmā te saṅgo'stvakarmaṇi 2-47"}],"infobox":{"Type":"Religious Verse","Source":"Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2","Speaker":"Lord Krishna","Audience":"Arjuna","Sanskrit":"कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन","Philosophy":"Karma Yoga","Key Concept":"Detached Action","Estimated Date":"5th century BCE to 2nd century CE"},"metadata":{"tags":["bhagavad-gita","karma-yoga","hindu-philosophy","detachment","dharma","krishna","spiritual-practice","selfless-action"],"quality":{"status":"generated","reviewed_by":[],"flagged_issues":[]},"category":"Philosophy","difficulty":"intermediate","subcategory":"Hindu Philosophy"},"model_used":"anthropic/claude-4-sonnet-20250522","revision_number":1,"view_count":65,"related_topics":["mahabharata"],"sections":["Bhagavad Gita 2.47","The Sanskrit Verse","Translation and Meaning","Philosophical Context","Karma Yoga Foundation","The Problem of Attachment","Divine Agency and Human Effort","Practical Applications","Modern Interpretations","Psychological Benefits","Commentarial Traditions","Classical Interpretations","Contemporary Teachers","Criticisms and Debates","Cultural Impact","Related Topics","Summary"]}