Sattvic action is duty without egoic attachment.
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
नियतं सङ्गरहितमरागद्वेषतः कृतम् |अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत्तत्सात्त्विकमुच्यते ||१८-२३||
niyataṃ saṅgarahitamarāgadveṣataḥ kṛtam . aphalaprepsunā karma yattatsāttvikamucyate ||18-23||
Use this verse as a sattvic action checklist.
Meaning
Prescribed action done without attachment, without attraction or aversion, and without desire for fruit is called sattvic action.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Sattvic action is duty done without attachment, bias, or reward-craving.
Word-by-word meaning
Tap a word to see its meaning.
Explanation
Krishna defines pure action. It is not passive; it is disciplined, duty-based, free from personal likes and dislikes, and not driven by reward obsession.
Read the traditional commentary
Krishna turns to the threefold nature of action itself, beginning with the purest. Sattvic karma is the prescribed duty performed free of attachment, untouched by raga and dvesha (attraction and aversion), and without any craving for personal reward.
This is karma yoga made concrete. The action is right, the doing is calm, and the heart asks nothing in return. Notice how closely it mirrors sattvic renunciation described earlier — pure action and pure renunciation converge in the same selfless attitude. When duty is done simply because it is right, with an even and desireless mind, the action purifies rather than binds.
In daily life
Act because it is right, not because you like it or gain from it.
A team lead can make a fair decision without favoritism or fear of losing praise.
Try this today
Before one task, identify and release one bias.
I act with clarity, not attachment.Reflect
Is this action free from attachment, attraction, and aversion?
Private — only you can see this
Quick check
What does ‘अरागद्वेषतः कृतम्’ mean in this verse?
Krishna on action, in other chapters
- Verse 3.19Do what must be done, fully and without clinging to results — selfless action itself can lead you to the highest realization.
- Verse 2.47Give your best to every action, but release your grip on the results — this is the formula for both excellence and inner peace.
- Verse 17.11Act and give for the sake of what is right, with a settled mind and no eye on reward — that purity of motive makes the deed truly sacred.
- Verse 4.14It is not action that binds us but craving for its fruits; act fully while letting go of the outcome, and you stay free.
Swipe left for 18.24 · Desire and ego make action restless.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 18.23
Who says Bhagavad Gita 18.23, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 18.23, in Chapter 18, Moksha Sannyas Yoga (Moksha Sannyas Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 18.23 mean?
Prescribed action done without attachment, without attraction or aversion, and without desire for fruit is called sattvic action. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 18.23 for daily life?
Act because it is right, not because you like it or gain from it. A team lead can make a fair decision without favoritism or fear of losing praise.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 18.23 mean?
नियतं — ordained / prescribed; सङ्गरहितम् — free from attachment; अरागद्वेषतः कृतम् — done without love or hatred; अफलप्रेप्सुना — by one not desiring any reward; कर्म यत् — whatever action.
Where does verse 18.23 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 23 of 78 in Chapter 18, Moksha Sannyas Yoga. The next verse is 18.24.