Gita Bhashya -Sankara 157

Shri Sankara's Gita Bhashya

(Sri Sankaracharya's Commentary on the Gita)

CHAPTER -4

Karmano-hyapi boddhavyam boddhavyam ca vikarmanah Akarmanaica boddhavyam gahanā karmano gatih 17. For, verily (there is) to be known (the true nature) even of action, as (is) also (that) of forbidden action, and (that) of inaction; the nature of karma is im­ penetrable. For, verily there is to be. known the true nature even of action. enjoined by the Śāstras, as is also that of forbidden action, that which is prohibited, and that of inaction, of keeping quiet. Be­ cause, the nature, the true character, of karma, i.e. action, inaction and forbidden action, is impenetrable, mysterious, hard to under­ stand. What then is the true nature of action etc., which has to be known and which The Lord has promised to tell? Listen: Karmanyakarma yah paśyed-akarmani ca karma yah Sa buddhimān-manusyesu sa yuktah krtsnakarmakrt 18. He who can see inaction in action, and action in inaction, he is intelligent among men, he is a Yogi, and a doer of all action (accomplisher of all objects). He, who can see, i.e. sees, inaction, absence of action, HI action, that which is done, namely mere engagement, movement, and action in inaction, in the absence of action;- Action (pravrtti) and absence of (withdrawal from) action (nivrtti) are both dependent on an agent (doer-kartā); and all business involving action, agent, etc. has its due place in the domain of ignorance (avidyā), when the Reality (vastu) has not yet been perceived.