Karma Yoga in Bhagavad Gita – As It Is
The Bhagavad Gita As It Is spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, describes various yoga systems, among which Karma Yoga holds a very important place. Srila Prabhupada explains that karma means prescribed duties as given in the scriptures, and yoga means linking our activities with the Supreme Lord. Therefore, Karma Yoga means working according to one’s prescribed duty, but offering the results to Krishna without attachment.
What is Karma Yoga in Bhagavad Gita?
Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna not to give up his duty as a warrior, but to fight without attachment to victory or defeat, happiness or distress. This is the essence of Karma Yoga.
Krishna says:
tasmād asaktaḥ satataṁ
kāryaṁ karma samācara
asakto hy ācaran karma
param āpnoti pūruṣaḥ
(Bhagavad Gita 3.19)
“Therefore, without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty, for by working without attachment one attains the Supreme.”
Srila Prabhupada explains that when work is done for Krishna, it becomes purified and no longer causes bondage.
Types of Karma Yoga
1. Sakāma Karma Yoga
When a person works with material desires, but still offers a portion of the results for yajna (sacrifice), charity, or service to the Lord, this is called sakāma karma yoga. Though motivated, it still connects one gradually to Krishna.
2. Niṣkāma Karma Yoga
A higher stage is niṣkāma karma yoga, where one performs all duties only as a service to Krishna, without any selfish motive. Srila Prabhupada explains that such a person works only to please the Lord and is not disturbed by success or failure.
Karma Yoga and Detachment from Results
The Bhagavad Gita further says:
brahmaṇy ādhāya karmāṇi
saṅgaṁ tyaktvā karoti yaḥ
lipyate na sa pāpena
padma-patram ivāmbhasā
(Bhagavad Gita 5.10)
“One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water.”
Srila Prabhupada explains that by acting in this way, one does not become entangled in karma. Just as the lotus leaf is not touched by water, the Karma Yogi remains untouched by material reactions.
Karma Yoga in Srimad Bhagavatam
The Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (1.2.13) also confirms this principle:
ataḥ pumbhir dvija-śreṣṭhā
varṇāśrama-vibhāgaśaḥ
svanuṣṭhitasya dharmasya
saṁsiddhir hari-toṣaṇam
“O best among the twice-born, it is therefore concluded that the highest perfection one can achieve by discharging the prescribed duties according to caste divisions and orders of life is to please the Personality of Godhead.”
Thus, the perfection of Karma Yoga is not material gain but to satisfy the Supreme Lord, Krishna.
Karma Yoga in Daily Life
Srila Prabhupada explains that one does not have to abandon family, job, or responsibilities. Rather, one should continue one’s prescribed duties and offer the fruits to Krishna. This is real renunciation and the true practice of Karma Yoga.
By following this, one becomes free from anxiety, envy, and material bondage, and gradually advances to pure devotional service (bhakti-yoga), which is the highest yoga system.
Conclusion
Karma Yoga in Bhagavad Gita means working according to one’s duty without attachment to results and offering everything to Krishna. Srila Prabhupada clearly explains that this practice purifies the heart, frees one from reactions, and brings one closer to bhakti. Whether it is sakāma or niṣkāma karma yoga, the goal is to please Krishna, as confirmed in both the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam.