yoga-yukto viśuddhātmā vijitātmā jitendriyaḥ sarva-bhūtātma-bhūtātmā kurvann api na lipyate
"One who is disciplined in yoga, pure in heart, master of self, with senses conquered, and whose self has become the Self in all beings—such a one is not tainted even while acting."
What This Means:
The person with these qualities—practicing yoga, pure-hearted, self-controlled, senses mastered, seeing their own Self in all beings—can act in the world without being affected by it. Actions don't stick to them.
Going Deeper:
This verse lists the qualities that make action non-binding: 'yoga-yukta' (disciplined), 'vishuddhatma' (pure self), 'vijitatma' (conquered self—the lower nature), 'jitendriya' (conquered senses), and most importantly 'sarva-bhutatma-bhutatma' (whose self has become the Self in all). When you see yourself in everyone, how can selfish action occur? Such action 'na lipyate' (doesn't stick, doesn't taint).
How To Apply This:
Work on all fronts: practice discipline (yoga), purify your heart (remove negativity), master your lower impulses (self-control), and ultimately, see yourself in others. As these develop, your actions become less selfish and less binding. The goal is acting without creating karmic residue.
Key Sanskrit Terms: