Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Verse 19 (4.19)
Reflective Prompt:
Imagine two chefs in a busy kitchen. One is stressed, constantly worrying about reviews, tips, praise, and criticism. The other works with full focus and joy, doing the same duty without being controlled by praise or blame. Both are working the same hours. Who will be happier, and who will carry more stress?
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Verse 19 (4.19)
यस्य सर्वे समारम्भाः कामसङ्कल्पवर्जिताः । ज्ञानाग्निदग्धकर्माणं तमाहुः पण्डितं बुधाः | | ४-१९ | |
yasya sarve samārambhāḥ kāmasaṅkalpavarjitāḥ jñānāgnidagdhakarmāṇaṁ tamāhuḥ paṇḍitaṁ budhāḥ
- यस्य
(yasya)— इंद्रियां(whose every undertaking) - सर्वे
(sarve)— सभी(whose every undertaking) - समरभ
(samarambhah)— समरभ(whose every undertaking) - कम-सकप-वइत
(kama-sankalpa-varjitah)— कम-सकप-वइत(is free from desire and selfish planning)
- ज्ञान
(jnana)— ज्ञान(knowledge) -
gnjoined in jñānāgnidagdhakarmāṇaṁ - इदम्
(idam)— यह(this) -
gdajoined in jñānāgnidagdhakarmāṇaṁ - कः
(kah)— कौन(who) - मनः
(manah)— मन(mind) -
mjoined in jñānāgnidagdhakarmāṇaṁ - तम्
(tam)— ज्ञानी(the wise call that person learned) - आहुः
(ahuh)— ज्ञानी(the wise call that person learned) - पइत
(panditam)— ज्ञानी(the wise call that person learned) - बुधाः
(budhah)— ज्ञानी(the wise call that person learned)
English: Wise people call him a sage, for whatever he undertakes is free from the motive of want, and his deeds are purified by the fire of Wisdom.
- Purified Actions:: Work with a spirit of service rather than selfish ambition to keep your mind calm.
- Burn the Ego:: Sincere knowledge helps us see that we are instruments of a larger force, reducing stress and pride.
Gita/Sanskrit Language Quiz
Practice this shloka vocabularyMatch Sanskrit words from shloka 4.19 with their Hindi and English meanings.
Practice vocabulary
A true sage is characterized by actions that are devoid of selfish motives and expectations. The fire of wisdom (Gyan-agni) burns away the ego, transforming ordinary work into a purifying spiritual offering.