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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Verse 1 Meaning in Hindi & English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 23 June, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Verse 1 marks the beginning of Dhyana Yoga (The Yoga of Meditation). In this verse, Lord Krishna clarifies the true meaning of renunciation and yoga. Many people believe that spirituality requires abandoning work, worldly responsibilities, or external activities. Krishna challenges this misunderstanding and teaches that genuine renunciation is an inner attitude rather than an outward appearance.

He explains that a true yogi is not someone who merely gives up rituals, duties, or possessions. Rather, a real yogi performs his prescribed duties without attachment to the results. Such a person is both a renunciant (sannyasi) and a yogi.

This teaching is especially relevant today, as many people struggle to balance spiritual growth with professional, family, and social responsibilities. Krishna reminds us that spirituality is not escaping life—it is learning how to live wisely and selflessly within it.

Bhagavad Gita 6.1 – The True Meaning of Renunciation and Yoga

Krishna explains:

True renunciation is freedom from attachment to results.
Spirituality does not require abandoning duties.
Selfless action is superior to inactivity.
One who performs duty without selfish motives is both a yogi and a renunciant.

The verse teaches that inner detachment is more important than external renunciation.

Bhagavad Gita 6.1 – Sanskrit Shlok & Transliteration

Sanskrit Shlok

श्रीभगवानुवाच । अनाश्रितः कर्मफलं कार्यं कर्म करोति यः । स संन्यासी च योगी च न निरग्निर्न चाक्रियः ॥ १ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Shri Bhagavan Uvacha Anashritah karma-phalam Karyam karma karoti yah Sa sannyasi cha yogi cha Na niragnir na chakriyah

English Transliteration

śrī-bhagavān uvāca anāśritaḥ karma-phalaṁ kāryaṁ karma karoti yaḥ sa sannyāsī ca yogī ca na niragnir na cākriyaḥ

Word-by-Word Meaning (शब्दार्थ)

Sanskrit Word	Hindi Meaning	English Meaning
अनाश्रितः (Anashritah)	आश्रय न लेने वाला	Without depending upon
कर्मफलम् (Karma-Phalam)	कर्म का फल	Result of action
कार्यम् (Karyam)	कर्तव्य	Duty
कर्म (Karma)	कर्म	Action
करोति (Karoti)	करता है	Performs
यः (Yah)	जो	Who
सः (Sah)	वह	He
संन्यासी (Sannyasi)	संन्यासी	Renunciant
च (Cha)	और	And
योगी (Yogi)	योगी	Yogi
न (Na)	नहीं	Not
निरग्निः (Niragnih)	अग्निहीन, यज्ञ त्यागने वाला	One who has abandoned sacred fire
न (Na)	नहीं	Not
च (Cha)	और	And
अक्रियः (Akriyah)	निष्क्रिय	Inactive person

Verse Meaning (अनुवाद)

Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अनुवाद)

भगवान श्रीकृष्ण ने कहा—जो व्यक्ति कर्मफल पर आश्रित हुए बिना अपने कर्तव्य कर्म करता है, वही वास्तव में संन्यासी और योगी है। केवल यज्ञादि कर्मों का त्याग कर देने वाला या निष्क्रिय बैठा रहने वाला व्यक्ति संन्यासी नहीं कहलाता।

English Meaning

The Supreme Lord said: One who performs his prescribed duty without depending on the fruits of action is a true renunciant and a yogi. Not the person who merely gives up sacred rituals or abandons action.

Deep Insights & Philosophical Context

1. What Is True Renunciation?

Many people associate renunciation with:

Leaving home.
Giving up possessions.
Wearing special clothing.
Avoiding worldly activities.

Krishna explains that true renunciation is internal.

A person may live in society, work, raise a family, and fulfill responsibilities while remaining unattached to personal gain.

Such a person is a genuine renunciant.

2. Why Is Attachment the Real Problem?

Krishna focuses not on action itself but on attachment to results.

Examples include:

Working only for praise.
Helping others for recognition.
Pursuing success solely for ego satisfaction.

Attachment creates anxiety, fear, and disappointment.

Selfless action creates peace and freedom.

3. Action Is Better Than Inactivity

Some people mistakenly think spirituality means withdrawing from life.

Krishna rejects this idea.

Simply avoiding work does not make someone spiritual.

A person may appear detached externally but remain full of desires internally.

Real spiritual growth comes from performing duty with the right attitude.

4. The Unity of Yoga and Renunciation

This verse reveals an important truth:

Yoga and Renunciation Are Not Separate

A true yogi:

Controls selfish desires.
Acts responsibly.
Remains balanced in success and failure.

A true renunciant:

Gives up attachment.
Lets go of selfish expectations.

Both qualities meet in selfless action.

5. Karma Yoga as the Foundation of Meditation

Chapter 6 focuses on meditation.

Before teaching meditation techniques, Krishna establishes an important principle:

A restless, desire-driven mind cannot meditate effectively.

Selfless action purifies the mind.

Purified minds naturally become fit for meditation.

Thus, Karma Yoga becomes the foundation of Dhyana Yoga.

Life Lessons from Bhagavad Gita 6.1

1. Fulfill Your Responsibilities

Spirituality does not require abandoning duties.

Modern Takeaway: Perform your responsibilities sincerely and ethically.

2. Focus on Effort, Not Results

Results are not always under our control.

Modern Takeaway: Give your best effort and let go of excessive worry about outcomes.

3. Avoid Selfish Motivation

Actions driven only by personal gain create stress.

Modern Takeaway: Serve a higher purpose whenever possible.

4. Spiritual Growth Happens in Daily Life

Every action can become a spiritual practice.

Modern Takeaway: Treat work, family duties, and service as opportunities for growth.

Modern-Day Relevance

Bhagavad Gita 6.1 is highly relevant in today's fast-paced world.

Many people believe happiness depends on:

Promotions
Wealth
Social status
Recognition
Achievement

As a result, they often experience:

Stress
Burnout
Anxiety
Fear of failure

Krishna offers a powerful alternative.

Work Diligently

Perform your responsibilities with sincerity.

Release Attachment

Do not tie your self-worth to outcomes.

Stay Balanced

Success and failure are temporary.

Find Purpose

Let your actions contribute to something greater than personal gain.

This mindset creates peace, resilience, and inner freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 6.1?

Ans: Krishna teaches that true renunciation means performing one's duties without attachment to the results, not abandoning action altogether.

Q.2 Who is a true yogi according to this verse?

Ans: A person who performs prescribed duties selflessly and without dependence on rewards is a true yogi.

Q.3 Does Krishna encourage people to leave worldly life?

Ans: No. Krishna teaches responsible action combined with inner detachment.

Q.4 Why is attachment to results harmful?

Ans: Attachment creates anxiety, disappointment, fear, and emotional instability.

Q.5 How does this verse relate to meditation?

Ans: Selfless action purifies the mind, making it easier to develop concentration and meditation.

Practical Applications of Bhagavad Gita 6.1

Perform Duties Selflessly

Focus on doing what is right rather than what is profitable.

Let Go of Excessive Expectations

Work hard but avoid becoming emotionally dependent on results.

Practice Service

Help others without seeking recognition.

Reflect Daily

Ask yourself:

Am I attached to the outcome?
Am I performing my duty sincerely?
Can I remain peaceful regardless of the result?

Related Verses to Explore Next

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 19: Perform duty without attachment.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 10: Offer actions to the Divine and remain unaffected.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 2: The relationship between renunciation and yoga.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Verse 1 redefines what it means to be spiritual. Lord Krishna teaches that true renunciation is not the abandonment of work, responsibilities, or society. Instead, it is freedom from attachment to the fruits of action.

The person who performs duties selflessly, without selfish expectations, is both a yogi and a renunciant. Such a person finds peace amidst activity and spiritual growth within everyday life.

This verse reminds us that spirituality is not about escaping the world—it is about transforming the way we act within it.

Krishna's timeless message is:

Perform your duty with dedication, abandon attachment to the results, and discover the inner freedom that comes from selfless action

Harishyam Arts

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Lakshay Sharma

I’m Lakshay Sharma, a writer with a deep passion for Hindu mythology, Vastu Shastra, and home interiors. I enjoy exploring the rich traditions of Hindu gods and goddesses, sharing insights into Vastu principles, and offering guidance on creating sacred spaces like Puja Mandirs. Through my writing, I aim to inspire harmony and spiritual well-being, blending traditional knowledge with modern perspectives.

Harishyam Arts | Jaipur

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