Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 17 Meaning

He who is free from the egoistic notion, whose intelligence is not tainted by good or evil, though he slays these people, he does not slay, nor is he bound by the action.

BG 18.17

यस्य नाहंकृतो भावो बुद्धिर्यस्य न लिप्यते।हत्वापि स इमाँल्लोकान्न हन्ति न निबध्यते

yasya nāhankṛito bhāvo buddhir yasya na lipyate hatvā ‘pi sa imāl lokān na hanti na nibadhyate

Meaning

He who is free from the egoistic notion, whose intelligence is not tainted by good or evil, though he slays these people, he does not slay, nor is he bound by the action.

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Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: He who is free from the egoistic notion, whose intelligence is not tainted by good or evil, though he slays these people, he does not slay, nor is he bound by the action.

In The Yoga of Liberation (Moksha Sanyasa Yoga), Krishna explains The conclusion of the Gita, summarizing all paths and encouraging Arjuna to surrender to God.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

Chapter Context

The conclusion of the Gita, summarizing all paths and encouraging Arjuna to surrender to God.

Key themes in this chapter include Liberation, Surrender, Duty, Grace.

When to Apply This Verse

  • •When you need steadiness while dealing with liberation
  • •When practicing surrender amid uncertainty
  • •When applying duty to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 18.17?
He who is free from the egoistic notion, whose intelligence is not tainted by good or evil, though he slays these people, he does not slay, nor is he bound by the action. This verse emphasizes liberation with clarity and purpose.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.17 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on surrender and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

Related Verses

BG 18.2

The Blessed Lord said, "The sages understand sannyasa to be the renunciation of action with desire; the wise declare the abandonment of the fruits of all actions to be tyaga."

BG 18.5

Acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity should not be abandoned, but should be performed; for sacrifice, gift, and austerity are the purifiers of the wise.

BG 1.1

Dhritarashtra said, "What did my people and the sons of Pandu do when they had assembled together, eager for battle, on the holy plain of Kurukshetra, O Sanjaya?"

Explore Related Themes

Ego

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