Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 47 Meaning

Your right is only to work, but not to its results; do not let the results of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.

BG 2.47

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि

karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi

Meaning

Your right is only to work, but not to its results; do not let the results of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.

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Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: Your right is only to work, but not to its results; do not let the results of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.

In The Yoga of Knowledge (Sankhya Yoga), Krishna explains Krishna begins his teachings about the eternal soul, the temporary body, and introduces the concept of selfless action.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

Chapter Context

Krishna begins his teachings about the eternal soul, the temporary body, and introduces the concept of selfless action.

Key themes in this chapter include Soul, Detachment, Karma Yoga, Self-realization.

When to Apply This Verse

•When you need steadiness while dealing with soul
•When practicing detachment amid uncertainty
•When applying karma yoga to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 2.47?

Your right is only to work, but not to its results; do not let the results of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction. This verse emphasizes soul with clarity and purpose.

How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 2.47 in daily life?

Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on detachment and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

Related Verses

BG 2.11

The Blessed Lord said, "You have grieved for those who should not be grieved for; yet, you speak words of wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead."

BG 2.12

Nor, at any time, was I not, nor thou, nor these rulers of men; nor, verily, shall we ever cease to be hereafter.

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?"