Bhagavad Gita — Bhakti Yoga, Shloka 11
Bhakti Yoga
अथैतदप्यशक्तोऽसि कर्तुं मद्योगमाश्रितः । सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं ततः कुरु यतात्मवान् ॥ १२.११ ॥
athaitad apy aśakto ’si kartuṁ mad-yogam āśritaḥ | sarva-karma-phala-tyāgaṁ tataḥ kuru yatātmavān || 12.11 ||
If you are unable even to do this, then taking refuge in My Yoga, renounce the fruits of all actions; thus act with self-control.
If you are unable even to do this, then taking refuge in My Yoga, renounce the fruits of all actions; thus act with self-control.
If you are unable even to do that, then, resorting to My discipline, practice relinquishment of the fruits of all actions; then do so as one who is self-governed.
Traditional Vedāntic and Yoga readings treat ‘fruit-renunciation’ as a core Karma-yoga principle. Academic readings emphasize the pedagogical sequence: even minimal spiritualization—letting go of outcome-attachment—counts as a viable entry into disciplined life.
FAQs
Outcome non-attachment reduces rumination and fear of evaluation, supporting resilience and steadier performance without suppressing responsible effort.
Relinquishing claim over results weakens egoic appropriation of action, aligning the agent with a broader order (dharma/Īśvara) and facilitating liberation-oriented living.
It completes the graded teaching: if direct devotion, practice, or dedicated works are difficult, begin with renouncing the fruits of action.
Commit to process over outcome: define controllable actions, accept uncertainty of results, and cultivate reflective self-regulation in work and relationships.