yoga-sannyasta-karmāṇaṁ jñāna-sañchinna-saṁśayam ātmavantaṁ na karmāṇi nibadhnanti dhanañjaya
"One who has renounced actions through yoga, whose doubts are cut by knowledge, who is established in the Self—actions do not bind such a person, O Arjuna."
What This Means:
Three things characterize the free person: they've renounced the fruits of action through yoga, their doubts have been cut by knowledge, and they're established in the Self. Such a person acts but isn't bound by action—karma has no grip.
Going Deeper:
'Yoga-sannyasta-karma' (actions renounced through yoga)—not physical renunciation but inner renunciation of ownership and results. 'Jnana-sanchinna-samshaya' (doubts cut by knowledge)—not repressed but resolved. 'Atmavanta' (possessed of Self, established in Self)—identity rooted in the eternal, not the temporary. With all three, 'karmani na nibadhnanti' (actions don't bind)—complete freedom while fully engaged.
How To Apply This:
Work on all three: release attachment to outcomes (through karma yoga), resolve doubts through inquiry and knowledge (not by ignoring them), and identify with the witnessing Self rather than the acting ego. This triple approach leads to acting without bondage.
Key Sanskrit Terms: