Chapter 18 • Verse 17

यस्य नाहंकृतो भावो बुद्धिर्यस्य न लिप्यते। हत्वापि स इमाँल्लोकान्न हन्ति न निबध्यते॥

yasya nāhaṅkṛito bhāvo buddhir yasya na lipyate hatvāpi sa imān lokān na hanti na nibadhyate

Meaning

One whose mind is free from ego, whose understanding is untainted — even slaying these people, he neither kills nor is bound.

One free from ego-notion, with untainted intellect, even if acting in war, neither truly kills nor incurs karma. Without ego-identification, action happens but doesn't bind. This is the secret of free action.

Strength Reflection

"Free from ego and with pure understanding, I act without being bound."

Devotional Surrender

O Lord, free me from ego so my actions don't bind me.