कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म यः । स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत् ॥
जेथ कर्माचां ठायीं अकर्म । आणि अकर्मीं देखिजे कर्म । तोचि जाणावा सधर्म । मनुष्यांमध्ये ॥
"He who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is wise among men."
🔍 Deep Interpretation
Saint Dnyaneshwar interprets this verse to highlight the state of a realized soul. A person who performs their worldly duties without the ego of being the 'doer' is said to see inaction in action. Conversely, one who physically refrains from work but remains mentally attached to desires is still performing 'action' in a state of 'inaction'. The one who understands this distinction is truly wise and remains liberated while living.
🎯 Practical Application
Apply this by focusing entirely on the process of your work rather than the reward. For example, a doctor treating a patient should focus on the treatment (duty) rather than the fame or fee (fruit).
📌 Context
Lord Krishna explains the paradoxical nature of action and inaction to Arjuna, which Saint Dnyaneshwar elaborates in this Ovi.