Offering — Lesson 5

Verse

Transliteration

brahmaṇy ādhāya karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā karoti yaḥ
lipyate na sa pāpena padma-patram ivāmbhasā

Meaning

One who performs action, offering it to the total, and giving up attachment, is not affected by the results. Like a lotus leaf untouched by water, such a person remains unaffected.

Key Words

• brahmaṇi ādhāya — placing in the total, offering
• saṅgaṁ tyaktvā — giving up attachment
• lipyate — gets affected
• padma-patram — lotus leaf

Teaching

Krishna now gives a beautiful image. A lotus leaf remains in water, but water does not stick to it. Similarly, a person can remain fully engaged in action, yet remain inwardly unaffected. The difference is attitude. When action is done with attachment, it leaves a mark. When done as offering, it does not bind.

Connection to Offering

Offering creates inner freedom. Actions continue, but they do not disturb the mind. Results come and go, but they do not define the person. This is the practical benefit of offering — freedom in the middle of action.

Reflection

Which results affect me the most? Can I try acting today without letting the result disturb me?