Work, Gain, And God: Bhagavad Gita Revelation - Chapter 4, Verse 15
Arushi Alok | Mar 01, 2025, 22:34 IST
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered spiritual texts in the world, offers profound guidance on every aspect of life. Among its 700 verses, Chapter 4, Verse 15 holds a deep and transformative message for anyone grappling with the purpose of work, the pursuit of gain, and the ultimate role of divine surrender. This verse acts as a bridge between human action (karma) and divine realization (moksha), showing us how work is not just an obligation, but a divine offering.
In this article, we dive deep into Chapter 4, Verse 15 of the Gita, breaking down its meaning, significance, and relevance to modern life.
The Verse (Chapter 4, Verse 15)
"Evam jnatva kritam karma, poorvair api mumukshubhih;
Kuru karmaiva tasmat twam, poorvaih poorvataram kritam."
Translation:
"Having known this, even ancient seekers of liberation performed action; therefore, you too should perform action, as did the ancients in earlier times."
This verse belongs to the fourth chapter of the Gita, which focuses on the Path of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action through Wisdom (Jnana-Karma-Sanyasa Yoga). Here, Krishna reminds Arjuna that enlightened beings of the past—spiritual aspirants and sages—engaged in action while remaining spiritually detached.
It conveys three vital lessons:
Work is Worship
Krishna emphasizes that work itself is not the problem; attachment to results is. Ancient sages engaged in duties not for personal gain, but as an expression of divine service. This transforms mundane tasks into sacred offerings.
Modern Application
In our fast-paced, result-driven society, work is often reduced to a means to an end—salary, promotions, or social status. This verse shifts our focus back to the spiritual essence of work. Whether you are a teacher, doctor, entrepreneur, or artist, every role can be infused with divine consciousness if performed with sincerity and detachment.
Understanding Gain in the Gita Context
The Gita doesn’t condemn ambition or gain. Instead, Krishna teaches us to pursue excellence without being enslaved by the fruits of labor. Gain is welcomed, but it should not dictate your peace, self-worth, or moral compass.
The Problem of Attachment
Attachment to results creates anxiety, fear, and ego inflation or deflation. When we crave only external validation, we lose inner balance. The ancient sages performed work without constantly worrying about praise or blame.
Practicing Detachment in Daily Life
Aligning Work with Divine Purpose
In the Gita, Krishna invites Arjuna—and all of us—to see work as yajna (sacrifice). Every task, whether personal or professional, can be offered at the feet of the Divine. When work is consecrated in this way, ego dissolves, and work becomes worship.
Spiritual Anchoring Amid Work
For ancient seekers, work was not an interruption to spiritual life; it was part of it. Krishna encourages Arjuna to see his battlefield duty as part of a divine plan. Similarly, whether you are sitting in a corporate office, driving a cab, or running a farm, each task can become sacred when it is aligned with values like honesty, service, compassion, and integrity.
The Sages’ Way
The ancient seekers mentioned in this verse were rishis and yogis who lived in ashrams, forests, and courts. They worked—taught students, performed rituals, offered counsel to kings—not for wealth or fame, but for the evolution of collective consciousness.
Work and Spirituality in Ancient India
The Disconnect
In today’s competitive world, work is often disconnected from spiritual values. Many professionals experience burnout, anxiety, and loss of purpose. This verse offers a healing perspective—work is not merely for survival or success, but for inner growth and divine connection.
Reclaiming the Sacred in Work
Journaling Exercise
Every evening, ask yourself:
Meditation on Work as Worship
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 15 offers timeless wisdom for anyone caught between professional ambition and spiritual longing. It reminds us that work is not opposed to spiritual growth; it can become the very path to liberation if performed with detachment and devotion.
The verse bridges the ancient and modern, reminding us that work, gain, and God are not separate pursuits, but three facets of a harmonious, meaningful life. By integrating this wisdom into daily work, we can transform careers into spiritual journeys—fulfilling not only our outer goals but also our inner longing for divine connection.
The Verse (Chapter 4, Verse 15)
"Evam jnatva kritam karma, poorvair api mumukshubhih;
Kuru karmaiva tasmat twam, poorvaih poorvataram kritam."
Translation:
"Having known this, even ancient seekers of liberation performed action; therefore, you too should perform action, as did the ancients in earlier times."
Understanding the Core Message
It conveys three vital lessons:
- Work is inevitable and essential.
- Work should not bind us if done with detachment.
- Work, when aligned with dharma (righteousness) and offered to God, becomes a path to liberation.
Section 1: Work – A Divine Duty
Work is Worship
Work is Worship
Krishna emphasizes that work itself is not the problem; attachment to results is. Ancient sages engaged in duties not for personal gain, but as an expression of divine service. This transforms mundane tasks into sacred offerings.
Modern Application
In our fast-paced, result-driven society, work is often reduced to a means to an end—salary, promotions, or social status. This verse shifts our focus back to the spiritual essence of work. Whether you are a teacher, doctor, entrepreneur, or artist, every role can be infused with divine consciousness if performed with sincerity and detachment.
Section 2: Gain – The Outcome Without Attachment
Gain – The Outcome Without Attachment
Understanding Gain in the Gita Context
The Gita doesn’t condemn ambition or gain. Instead, Krishna teaches us to pursue excellence without being enslaved by the fruits of labor. Gain is welcomed, but it should not dictate your peace, self-worth, or moral compass.
The Problem of Attachment
Attachment to results creates anxiety, fear, and ego inflation or deflation. When we crave only external validation, we lose inner balance. The ancient sages performed work without constantly worrying about praise or blame.
Practicing Detachment in Daily Life
- Focus on the process, not the praise.
- Celebrate effort more than outcomes.
- See every workday as an offering to a higher cause—your values, society, or God.
- Accept success and failure with equanimity.
Section 3: God – The Ultimate Receiver of All Work
Aligning Work with Divine Purpose
Aligning Work with Divine Purpose
In the Gita, Krishna invites Arjuna—and all of us—to see work as yajna (sacrifice). Every task, whether personal or professional, can be offered at the feet of the Divine. When work is consecrated in this way, ego dissolves, and work becomes worship.
Spiritual Anchoring Amid Work
For ancient seekers, work was not an interruption to spiritual life; it was part of it. Krishna encourages Arjuna to see his battlefield duty as part of a divine plan. Similarly, whether you are sitting in a corporate office, driving a cab, or running a farm, each task can become sacred when it is aligned with values like honesty, service, compassion, and integrity.
Section 4: Historical Context – How Ancient Seekers Worked
The ancient seekers mentioned in this verse were rishis and yogis who lived in ashrams, forests, and courts. They worked—taught students, performed rituals, offered counsel to kings—not for wealth or fame, but for the evolution of collective consciousness.
Work and Spirituality in Ancient India
- Work was seen as seva (service) to society and God.
- Personal ambition was secondary to dharma (duty).
- Gain was welcomed but not worshipped.
- Detachment was the key to inner peace.
Section 5: Challenges of Modern Work Culture
Challenges of Modern Work Culture
The Disconnect
In today’s competitive world, work is often disconnected from spiritual values. Many professionals experience burnout, anxiety, and loss of purpose. This verse offers a healing perspective—work is not merely for survival or success, but for inner growth and divine connection.
Reclaiming the Sacred in Work
- Begin each workday with a prayer or intention.
- End each day with gratitude for opportunities to serve.
- See work challenges as spiritual tests.
- Detach from toxic competition and focus on swadharma (your unique duty).
Section 6: Personal Reflection and Spiritual Practice
Personal Reflection and Spiritual Practice
Journaling Exercise
Every evening, ask yourself:
- Did I work with sincerity today?
- Was I attached to praise or blame?
- Did I see my work as service to a higher purpose?
- What spiritual lesson did my workday teach me?
- Sit quietly and visualize your workplace.
- Offer every file, email, call, and task to the divine.
- Say mentally: "This is for you, my Lord."
- Feel your heart lighten as attachment dissolves.
Harmonizing Work, Gain, and God
The verse bridges the ancient and modern, reminding us that work, gain, and God are not separate pursuits, but three facets of a harmonious, meaningful life. By integrating this wisdom into daily work, we can transform careers into spiritual journeys—fulfilling not only our outer goals but also our inner longing for divine connection.