yas tv ātma-ratir eva syād ātma-tṛptaś ca mānavaḥ ātmany eva ca santuṣṭas tasya kāryaṁ na vidyate
"But for one who delights in the Self alone, who is satisfied in the Self, and who is content in the Self—for such a person, there is no duty."
What This Means:
Here's an exception: someone who is completely fulfilled within themselves—totally content, needing nothing from outside—technically has no obligations. They've found the source of all happiness within. They don't need to act for any gain because they lack nothing.
Going Deeper:
This describes the 'jivanmukta' (liberated while living). Having realized the Self (Atman), they find complete fulfillment (triptah) and contentment (santushtah) within. The usual motivations for action—desire, duty, fear—don't apply. They're already at the destination others are trying to reach through action.
How To Apply This:
This is a high bar that almost no one reaches. Don't use it as an excuse for laziness! If you still want things, if you still feel lacking, you have work to do. This verse describes the rare soul who genuinely needs nothing. Until that's you, keep doing your duty.
Key Sanskrit Terms: