A core teaching · reflective in mood · a little context helps
“Fulfillment in the true self ends the need for striving.”
The person who delights in the true self, is satisfied in the true self, and is content in the true self has no duty left.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Tap a word to focus on it.
Read literallywho · indeed · one who delights in the self · alone · may be · satisfied in the self · and · person · in the self · alone · and · content · for that one · duty, task · not · exists
A person who finds complete fulfillment in the true self does not act from inner lack. Nothing remains to be gained through duty or effort.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Karma Yoga" (The Yoga of Action).
Verse 17 sits in Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita — Karma Yoga, "The Yoga of Action". The chapter has 43 verses in total.
A grandfather who has made peace with his life still tends the garden and helps with homework. He does these things gladly, with nothing to prove, from fullness instead of need.
Did you like this verse?
One who delights in the self and is content there, Krishna says, has no duty left.
What this verse means
A person who finds complete fulfillment in the true self does not act from inner lack. Nothing remains to be gained through duty or effort.
Context & commentary
Krishna teaches the deeper aim of action while Arjuna stands frozen. After showing how the world's order moves through work, Krishna points to the one who has already found fullness within and no longer needs action for completion.
What it looks like today
A grandfather who has made peace with his life still tends the garden and helps with homework. He does these things gladly, with nothing to prove, from fullness instead of need.
“Fullness found inside leaves nothing for the world to complete.”
Explore related themes: karma yoga (55 verses)