Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 46

English Translation

A human being achieves success by adoring through his own duties Him from whom is the origin of creatures, and by whom is all this pervaded.

Detailed Commentary

18.46 Explanation: As, one should worship that very Paramatma – from whom the universe has originated and is sustained, who is the foundation of all and all-pervading – through one's own natural (swabhavik) actions. "Sva-karmaṇā tam abhyarcya" – In Manusmriti, six duties (karmas) are prescribed for Brahmins: studying and teaching, performing Yajna and getting it performed, giving and receiving donations. All these actions should be performed as worship of Paramatma. Brahmins should serve God through all their activities. Similarly, five duties are prescribed for Kshatriyas: protection of subjects (praja), charity (dana), Yajna, study (adhyayan), and avoiding attachment to sense objects. Vaishyas and Shudras should also worship Paramatma through their respective actions. According to the Shastras, one should worship Paramatma through the duties of one's Varna and Ashrama. Bhishma Pitamah worshipped God through his duty of warfare (Yuddha karma). A Karmayogi and a Bhakta worship the all-pervading Paramatma through their natural actions. Ultimately, a Bhakta develops love for the Lord. Special Point: In Karmayoga, all actions become service, and there is a spirit of service towards God. A Bhakta is already dedicated to God and offers their worldly (laukika) and spiritual (paramarthika) actions to God. A Karmayogi and a Jnanayogi ultimately become one, because both attain freedom (svatantrata) by offering their actions. As long as a seeker (sadhaka) performs their actions with a detached spirit (nishkama bhava), they will attain contentment (santosh). Connection: Natural actions should be performed with a detached spirit (nishkama bhava); even if there are imperfections, one should not be disheartened. This will be explained in the subsequent verses.