Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana, Ma karmaphalaheturbhurma te sangostvakarmani

Do your work with the serenity of a sage, and the intensity of a warrior.

- Minaxi Sompura.

"कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥"       (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)

Transliteration:
"Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana,
Ma karmaphalaheturbhurma te sangostvakarmani."

"You have a right only to perform your duty, But never to the fruits of your actions."

"Do not be motivated by the results of your actions, Nor should you be attached to inaction.”

It is part of Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, addressing his moral dilemma about fighting in the war. Arjuna, a great warrior, is overcome with doubt and grief at the prospect of fighting his own relatives, teachers, and friends in the Mahabharata war. He lays down his bow and refuses to fight, leading to a deep philosophical discussion with Krishna.

Krishna explains the nature of duty (dharma), detachment, and the true essence of the soul (Atman). He emphasizes that one must perform their prescribed duties without attachment to results.

We women fight two battles,

• 1.      internal daemon of mindset, fear, in confidence and guilt!

• 2.      External battle of societal pressure, family expectations, role playing and gender biases.

As women we always put our health, likes and dislikes, personal dreams and endless desires as secondary to everyone around us.

This shloka is a timeless guide to purposeful and peaceful living.

Key Teachings:

• Focus on Duty (Karma Yoga): Perform your duty without attachment to success or failure.

• Detachment from Results: Do not work only for rewards; let go of anxiety over outcomes.

• Avoid Inaction: One must not abandon duty out of fear or laziness

Philosophical Significance:

• This verse teaches Nishkama Karma (selfless action)—acting without selfish desires.

• It encourages mental discipline, reducing stress over uncontrollable results.

• It is the foundation of Karma Yoga (the path of selfless service) in Hindu philosophy.

Modern Application:

• In work, relationships, or personal growth, focus on effort, not just results.

• Stay detached from success/failure, reducing stress and improving performance.

• Avoid procrastination or inaction out of fear of failure..
  
  Lord Krishna’s teaching in "Karmanye Vadhikaraste" is not just philosophy—it’s a powerful mindset shift for modern life. Here’s how you can apply it in different areas:

• Work & Career: Focus on Effort, Not Just Results.

In modern days we are so used to immediate gratification, 10 minutes pizzas, 5 minutes grocery at your door step, that we have forgotten the beauty of journey and emotional resilience. We want to see results within no time. This mindset results in stress and overwhelm. Instead ..

• Do your best in tasks without obsessing over outcomes.

• Detach from praise/blame—neither arrogance nor discouragement.

To get in to right frame before a big project, tell yourself:
"I will give my 100%, but the result is not in my hands."

1.  Personal Growth: Take Action Without Fear of Failure

What if I fail? Maybe I shouldn’t even try.

Krishna says: "Don’t fall into inaction!" (Mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi).Failure/Success is a byproduct—your job is to act.

An entrepreneur starts a business focusing on hard work, not just profits.

Use the "5-Second Rule" (Mel Robbins)—count 5-4-3-2-1 and just start.

1. Handling Success & Failure: The Stoic Approach

Krishna’s teaching aligns with Stoicism (Marcus Aurelius) and modern psychology:

• Control what you can (effort), accept what you can’t (result).

• "Amor Fati" (Love your fate)—even failures are lessons.

Key Mindset Shifts:

Before

After (Gita Wisdom)

"I must get XYZ result."

"If I fail, I’m worthless."

"Why bother? Nothing works."

After (Gita Wisdom)

After (Gita Wisdom)

"I will do my best and let go."

"Failure is feedback, not identity."

"My duty is to act; results are divine."

This shloka is not about passivity—it’s about focused action + mental freedom. When you detach from results, you:
✔ Reduce stress & anxiety
✔ Improve performance (paradoxically!)
✔ Find deeper fulfilment.