Bhagavad Gita 5.7 — The Karma Yogi Remains Unattached Even While Acting
योगयुक्तो विशुद्धात्मा विजितात्मा जितेन्द्रियः ।
सर्वभूतात्मभूतात्मा कुर्वन्नपि न लिप्यते ॥ ५.७ ॥
A person established in Karma Yoga, whose heart is purified, who has mastered the mind and senses, and who perceives the same Self in all beings, remains untouched by bondage even while actively performing actions.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yogayuktaḥ | established in Karma Yoga |
| viśuddhātmā | one whose inner being is purified |
| vijitātmā | one who has mastered the mind |
| jitendriyaḥ | one who has conquered the senses |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sarvabhūtātmabhūtātmā | one who identifies his self with the self of all beings |
| kurvan | performing actions |
| api | even |
| na | not |
| lipyate | becomes attached or tainted |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yogayuktaḥ | established in Karma Yoga | sarvabhūtātmabhūtātmā | one who identifies his self with the self of all beings |
| viśuddhātmā | one whose inner being is purified | kurvan | performing actions |
| vijitātmā | one who has mastered the mind | api | even |
| jitendriyaḥ | one who has conquered the senses | na | not |
| lipyate | becomes attached or tainted | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the nature of a Karma Yogi whose mind and senses have been purified through selfless action. It presents an inspiring picture of one who lives in the world while remaining inwardly free.
Essence
The qualities of a liberated Karma Yogi
Here, Lord Krishna describes the ideal seeker who remains engaged in the world without becoming bound by it.
Viśuddhātmā: Through the practice of Karma Yoga, the seeker's inner being becomes purified of selfishness, jealousy, greed, and desires. The mind becomes calm, clear, and pure.
Vijitātmā and jitendriyaḥ: Such a person has mastery over the mind and senses. Rather than being driven by impulses or circumstances, they live with awareness and wisdom.
Sarvabhūtātmabhūtātmā: This is the deepest teaching of the verse. The seeker perceives the same Divine Consciousness in every living being that shines within oneself. As a result, the sense of separation disappears, giving way to compassion, unity, and selfless love.
Kurvann api na lipyate: Although actively engaged in work, such a person remains untouched by the bondage of action. Like a lotus leaf resting on water without becoming wet, they live amidst the world without allowing worldly attachments to cling to the mind.
Message for our lives
This verse teaches that true spirituality is not about withdrawing from the world, but about living with love, balance, and inner freedom.
Seeing beyond 'mine' and 'others': Much of human conflict arises from comparison, competition, and separation. When we learn to recognize the same Divine presence in everyone, compassion, cooperation, and mutual respect naturally grow.
Freedom in action: When work is performed as an expression of service and duty rather than personal gain, the burden of expectations falls away, making life lighter, more peaceful, and more fulfilling.
Next Topic
Such a liberated Karma Yogi continues to perform actions while remaining inwardly free. In the next passage, Lord Krishna explains the witness-consciousness through which such a person no longer identifies as the doer of actions.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
The greatest victory is mastery over oneself.
Serve fully, but do not become possessed by what you do.
Seeing yourself in others transforms duty into love.
Attachment binds action; wisdom frees it.
True influence comes from self-control, not control over others.
The deeper the vision, the less separation one sees.
Work becomes worship when ego no longer claims ownership.