Verse 18.26 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 26 of 78
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The Translation
“The doer who is free from attachment, free from egotism, endowed with fortitude and enthusiasm, and who remains unchanged in success and failure, is declared to be in the mode of goodness (Sattvik).”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna defines the qualities of the worker acting under the influence of Sattva (goodness). Such a worker represents the ideal Karma Yogi, combining dynamic, efficient action in the world with complete internal detachment.
Practical Application
1
Approach your work today with high energy, but remain completely neutral whether the outcome is a success or a delay.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- How can we combine 'enthusiasm' (utsāha) with 'non-attachment' (mukta-sanga)? Aren't they usually considered opposites?
- How does remaining 'unchanged in success and failure' protect your mental health and creativity in a competitive career?
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18.26
मुक्तसङ्गोऽनहंवादी धृत्युत्साहसमन्वितः
Shankara comments that 'anahaṃ-vādī' means the doer does not speak of their own greatness. 'Dhṛti' is that courage that sustains them when faced with hurdles, and 'utsāha' is the mental joy in performing the duty. Remaining undisturbed by outcomes (nirvikara) shows that their mind is anchored in the Self, not in external gains.