For thousands of years, the philosophy of Karma has guided humanity with timeless insight, preserved in ancient Sanskrit texts. These teachings illuminate how we should act, reminding us that every choice carries a consequence. Rooted in Hindu philosophy and beautifully expressed in sacred scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Ramayana, Karma is presented not just as belief, but as a universal law of cause and effect.
Sanskrit, often regarded as the sacred language of the divine, preserves these teachings in their purest form. Its rhythmic, poetic nature carries a depth that resonates beyond simple translation, conveying profound spiritual truths. Even today, Karma quotes in Sanskrit continue to inspire millions—offering clarity in decision-making and encouraging a more mindful, purposeful way of living.
In this blog, we will explore a list of 250+ Karma Quotes in Sanskrit with Meaning in 2026!
Also Read: Karma Quotes in Hindi
Top 250+ Karma Quotes from the Bhagavad Gita
Karma Quotes in Sanskrit from the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita tops the list of spiritual classics because it contains Lord Krishna’s guidance on karma yoga and performing righteous deeds. Karma Quotes in Sanskrit from the Gita emphasize that one should act in harmony with life, performing duties without attachment to outcomes. Krishna’s teachings remain deeply relevant today, as they promote practical living and a balanced mind and spirit. The Gita inspires followers to treat everyday actions as spiritual offerings by maintaining mindfulness and surrendering to the Divine.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Do not be motivated by the results of actions, nor be attached to inaction.
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।
Perform your duties established in yoga, abandoning attachment, O Dhananjaya (Arjuna).
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥
Being equally disposed toward success and failure, such equanimity is called yoga.
बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते।
One who is united with wisdom abandons both good and bad deeds here.
तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्॥
Therefore, engage in yoga, for yoga is skill in action.
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः।
Other than actions done as sacrifice (yajna), this world is bound by actions.
तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसङ्गः समाचर॥
Therefore, perform actions for that purpose, free from attachment, O son of Kunti.
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
Better is one’s own duty, though imperfectly performed, than the duty of another well performed.
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥
Death in one’s own duty is better; another’s duty brings danger.
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
One should uplift oneself by one’s own efforts and not degrade oneself.
बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जितः।
For one who has conquered the self by the self, the self is the best friend.
अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत्॥
But for one who has not conquered the self, the self acts as an enemy.
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
Whenever there is decline of righteousness, O Bharata (Arjuna),
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥
And rise of unrighteousness, then I manifest myself.
परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्।
For the protection of the good and destruction of the wicked,
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे॥
For the establishment of righteousness, I appear in every age.
जन्म कर्म च मे दिव्यमेवं यो वेत्ति तत्त्वतः।
One who truly understands my divine birth and actions,
त्यक्त्वा देहं पुनर्जन्म नैति मामेति सोऽर्जुन॥
Abandoning the body, is not reborn but comes to Me, O Arjuna.
Timeless Karma Quotes in Sanskrit from Other Scriptures
Apart from the Bhagavad Gita, there are many other Sanskrit works that give meaningful lessons on karma and Justice in the universe. Karma quotes in Sanskrit taken from Upanishads, Puranas and similar books provide different insights into the law of cause and effect. The Upanishads discuss the spiritual side of karma and the Puranas bring those teachings to life with exciting stories. In many ancient wisdom traditions, it is explained that karma acts as an unbending law of the universe, bringing perfect justice over different times and worlds.
यन्न व्याहरति कर्म तत्फलति नान्यत्र।
What action does not speak, that bears fruit nowhere else.
कर्मणा बध्यते जन्तुः विद्यया तु विमुच्यते।
Beings are bound by action, but liberated by knowledge.
शुभाशुभं फलं कर्म न कदाचिन्नश्यति।
The good and bad fruits of action never perish.
सत्यस्य सत्यमिति तद्यदिमे प्राणा अथैते।
Truth of truth, indeed, are these life-forces and these.
यथा कर्म यथा श्रुतं तथैव स्यात्फलं ध्रुवम्।
As the action, as heard, so certainly shall be the result.
न हि कल्याणकृत्कश्चिद्दुर्गतिं तात गच्छति।
No doer of good ever goes to a bad destination, dear one.
अपरस्परतो भिन्ना न भवन्ति कदाचन।
They never become different from each other.
कर्मण्येव किलायं पुंसो बन्धः श्रुतिसम्मतः।
Action indeed is the bondage of man, according to the scriptures.
तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ।
Therefore, let scripture be your authority in determining what should and should not be done.
ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि।
Knowing what is declared in scriptural injunctions, you should perform action here.
उत्सीदेयुरिमे लोका न कुर्यां कर्म चेदहम्।
These worlds would perish if I did not perform action.
सङ्करस्य च कर्ता स्यामुपहन्यामिमाः प्रजाः।
I would be the cause of confusion and would destroy these people.
न मे पार्थास्ति कर्तव्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु किञ्चन।
There is nothing for me to do in the three worlds, O Partha.
नानवाप्तमवाप्तव्यं वर्त एव च कर्मणि।
Nothing to be gained that is ungained, yet I engage in action.
यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रितः।
If I did not engage in action, unwearied.
मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः।
Men follow my path in all ways, O Partha.
सहयज्ञाः प्रजाः सृष्ट्वा पुरोवाच प्रजापतिः।
Having created beings along with sacrifice, Prajapati said of old.
अनेन प्रसविष्यध्वमेष वोऽस्त्विष्टकामधुक्।
By this shall you multiply; let this be your wish-fulfilling cow.
देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु वः।
Nourish the gods with this, and may the gods nourish you.
परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यथ।
Mutually nourishing each other, you shall attain the supreme good.
इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः।
The gods, nourished by sacrifice, will give you desired enjoyments.
तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः।
One who enjoys what is given by them without offering in return is indeed a thief.
भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात्।
But those sinful ones who cook for themselves alone eat sin.
अन्नाद्भवन्ति भूतानि पर्जन्यादन्नसम्भवः।
From food beings come into existence; from rain comes food.
यज्ञाद्भवति पर्जन्यो यज्ञः कर्मसमुद्भवः।
From sacrifice comes rain; sacrifice is born of action.
कर्म ब्रह्मोद्भवं विद्धि ब्रह्माक्षरसमुद्भवम्।
Know action to be born of Brahma, and Brahma to be born of the Imperishable.
तस्मात्सर्वगतं ब्रह्म नित्यं यज्ञे प्रतिष्ठितम्।
Therefore, the all-pervading Brahma is ever established in sacrifice.
Best Sanskrit Shlok on Karma
Karma-related Sanskrit poetry is highly regarded for both its wise thoughts and pleasing verse form. Karma Quotes in Sanskrit are crafted to be easy to remember while expressing profound insights about the principles of karma. Each shloka offers a complete lesson, sharing practical guidance for living ethically and growing spiritually. With their rhythmic structure, these verses are ideal for meditation, allowing their wisdom to be absorbed through repetition.
कर्मेणैव साध्यन्ते धर्माः पुरुषकृताम्।
सर्वं परित्यज्य कर्म कुरु सुपथा गतिम्॥
Duties performed through action lead to fulfillment;
Abandon all else and perform actions on the righteous path.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते फलात्यागः शुभम्।
असक्तः सदा कुरु कर्म योगसमाहितः॥
You have the right to work; renouncing the fruits is auspicious;
Always act unattached, steady in yoga.
कर्मणा हि विघ्नानि नाशयेत् पुरुषः सदा।
सत्त्वं त्यक्त्वा कदाचिदपि न कर्तव्यं क्लेशतः॥
One should always destroy obstacles by action;
Giving up goodness out of distress should never be done.
कर्म सति न फलमित्येव न दुःखमश्नुते।
योगयुक्तः फलान्यपि त्यजेत् पुरुषोत्तमः॥
When action is performed with yoga, there is no suffering from results;
The supreme person renounces even the fruits.
कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य मनसा निमग्नचित्तः।
नैष्कर्म्यं चरन्नपि नान्यः कुरुते न पाथ॥
Controlling senses and immersing mind deeply,
Though acting, one attains inaction; none else can do so.
कर्मफलस्य हेतुरस्य नास्ति कश्चनात्मवान्।
असक्तः सदा कर्म करोति पुरुषोत्तमः॥
No one is the cause of the fruits except oneself;
The supreme person always acts unattached.
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः।
कर्मण्येव अधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन॥
Better is death in one’s own duty than success in another’s;
Your right is to work, never to the fruits thereof.
धैर्यं सर्वत्र साधनं कर्मफलत्यागश्च यशः।
संतुष्टो हि पुरुषो देवस्यैव समीपवत्॥
Patience is the means everywhere; renunciation of fruits brings fame;
The content person is like near to God.
कर्मण्यपि संन्यस्त्यक्त्वा फलेषु निरविग्नचितः।
योगयुक्तो मनः कर्तव्यः स एव परमं सुखम्॥
Even abandoning fruits, one should perform action without disturbance;
A mind engaged in yoga attains supreme happiness.
कर्म कुरु प्रवृत्तिं च मा कर्मणः फलम् आश्रय।
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि नातिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्॥
Perform action and engage in it, do not depend on the fruit of action;
No one ever remains without action even for a moment.
Karma Sanskrit Quotes With Hindi Meaning
Thanks to its use of Hindi, Sanskrit philosophy is presented in a way that modern readers can understand and practice. These quotes from the ancient Sanskrit world, along with their Hindi translations, connect old teachings to modern understanding. Thanks to the Hindi versions, people can understand the intricacies of the poems without losing the spiritual effect contained in Sanskrit.
कर्म कुरु सदा धर्मात्मा न फलं चिन्तयन्।
फलत्यागः सुकृतस्य पुण्यस्य फलदायकः॥
सदा धर्म के अनुसार कर्म करो, फल की चिंता न करो।
फल त्याग पुण्य कर्म को फलदायक बनाता है।
कर्मेण हि संसिद्धिं याति ज्ञानयोगेन भारत।
तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्॥
कर्म से ही सिद्धि प्राप्त होती है ज्ञानयोग द्वारा।
इसलिए हे भारत, योग में संलग्न हो जो कर्म में कुशलता है।
न फलान्न करोऽपि कार्यं मा कर्मफलासङ्गतः।
कर्मणि हि समाचरेद्भक्त्या पुरुषः सुखी भवेत्॥
फल की इच्छा से कर्म मत करो।
भक्ति भाव से कर्म करो तो सुखी हो जाता है मनुष्य।
यदा तु कर्मफलत्यागं मत्परं भावमात्मनः।
जन्मनासिन्ति तदा ज्ञेयो नित्ययुक्ता हि योगिनः॥
जब कर्मों के फलों का त्याग होता है और मनुष्य का भक्ति भाव मुझमें होता है,
तब योगी जन्म के बन्धनों से मुक्त हो जाते हैं।
कर्म फलतः फलेनाहर्ता मनुष्य न संशयः।
यथाशक्ति तिष्ठ कर्म करो न च कीर्त्यर्थम्॥
कर्म का फल भोगता मनुष्य ही होता है इसमें कोई संदेह नहीं।
शक्ति अनुसार कर्म करो और कीर्ति के लिए कर्म न करो।
कर्मणो निवृत्तिर्द्वन्द्वातीतं समाधिस्थितम्।
सत्त्वं त्यक्त्वा सुख-दुःखे न विचलति बुद्धिमान्॥
कर्म से निवृत्ति, द्वन्द्वों से परे समाधि में स्थित होना।
सुख-दुःख को त्याग कर बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति विचलित नहीं होता।
कर्मणि सर्वस्य प्रधानं भवति पुरुषः सदा।
धर्मेणैव तु कर्माणि साध्यन्ते न संशयः॥
कर्मों में पुरुष प्रधान होता है सदैव।
धर्म के अनुसार ही कर्म सिद्ध होते हैं इसमें संशय नहीं।
कर्मण्येव संन्यस्ते फलं कर्म कुर्वन्ति यथाशक्ति।
असक्तचेतसः पुरुषाः सर्वदा सुखिनो भवतः॥
कर्मों को त्यागकर भी कर्म करते हैं जितनी शक्ति हो।
असक्त मन वाले पुरुष सदैव सुखी रहते हैं।
कर्मपथेन न हि साध्यं तदर्थं तप उच्यते।
शुद्धचित्तः समाचरेद्भक्त्या युक्तः सदाचारिणः॥
कर्मपथ से ही लक्ष्य प्राप्त होता है, इसलिए तप (संयम) कहा जाता है।
शुद्धचित्त और भक्ति से जुड़ा हुआ व्यक्ति सदाचार करता है।
कर्मफलसङ्गं त्यक्त्वा यत चित्तो निराश्रयः।
सत्यं वद धर्मं चर स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः॥
कर्म के फल की आसक्ति त्यागकर जो मनुष्य निर्भर रहित होता है।
सत्य बोलो, धर्म का पालन करो, अपने धर्म में मरना श्रेष्ठ है।
Geeta Shlok on Karma in Hindi

Among Hindu philosophical texts, the Bhagavad Gita stands out for its profound teachings on karma and dharma. When translated into Hindi, these insights become accessible to a wider audience across the Indian subcontinent. Karma Quotes in Sanskrit from the Gita emphasize the importance of performing one’s duties without attachment to results. Lord Krishna’s guidance in the Gita continues to inspire people to live righteously and maintain a balanced spiritual life.
📜 कर्म करने का अधिकार
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ (2.47)
👉 अर्थ: तुम्हारा अधिकार केवल कर्म करने में है, उसके फल में नहीं।
📜 फल की चिंता छोड़ो
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥ (2.48)
👉 अर्थ: सफलता-असफलता की चिंता छोड़े बिना समभाव से कर्म करो।
📜 कर्म ही श्रेष्ठ है
नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः।
शरीरयात्रापि च ते न प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः॥ (3.8)
👉 अर्थ: अपना कर्तव्य कर्म करना ही श्रेष्ठ है, कर्म त्याग नहीं।
📜 कर्म से बचना संभव नहीं
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्।
कार्यते ह्यवशः कर्म सर्वः प्रकृतिजैर्गुणैः॥ (3.5)
👉 अर्थ: कोई भी व्यक्ति बिना कर्म किए एक क्षण भी नहीं रह सकता।
📜 यज्ञभाव से कर्म
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः।
तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसङ्गः समाचर॥ (3.9)
👉 अर्थ: ईश्वर के लिए किए गए कर्म बंधन नहीं बनते।
📜 कर्म और ज्ञान
कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः।
लोकसंग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि॥ (3.20)
👉 अर्थ: महान लोगों ने कर्म करके ही सिद्धि प्राप्त की।
📜 निष्काम कर्म
मयि सर्वाणि कर्माणि संन्यस्याध्यात्मचेतसा।
निराशीर्निर्ममो भूत्वा युध्यस्व विगतज्वरः॥ (3.30)
👉 अर्थ: सभी कर्म भगवान को अर्पित करके बिना आसक्ति के करो।
📜 कर्म का ज्ञान
कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मणः।
अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गतिः॥ (4.17)
👉 अर्थ: कर्म, विकर्म और अकर्म को समझना आवश्यक है।
📜 कर्म में कुशलता ही योग
योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्॥ (2.50)
👉 अर्थ: कर्म को कुशलता से करना ही योग है।
📜 कर्म का त्याग नहीं
नियतस्य तु संन्यासः कर्मणो नोपपद्यते।
मोहात्तस्य परित्यागस्तामसः परिकीर्तितः॥ (18.7)
👉 अर्थ: कर्तव्य कर्म का त्याग उचित नहीं है।
Sanskrit Quote on Karma
Karma learnings from Sanskrit give a rare chance to hear ancient philosophers’ knowledge from the original source. Karma quotes in Sanskrit keep their spiritual significance since their words can go beyond simple translation. These sayings are regarded as sacred since Sanskrit, the divine language of Hinduism, gives them meaning that people have revered for many ages. It is common for scholars and someone seeking spiritual knowledge to read these quotes directly in Sanskrit to feel the full depth of the advice.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्।
कर्मजं बुद्धियुक्ता हि फलं त्यक्त्वा मनीषिणः।
अकर्मकर्म यः पश्येद्कर्मण्यकर्म च।
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्।
कर्मेन्द्रियैः कर्मयोगमासथितः।
निष्कामकर्म परमं श्रेयस्करम्।
सर्वकर्माणि मनसा संन्यस्य।
कुर्वन्नेवेह कर्माणि जिजीविषेच्छतं समाः।
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः।
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
समत्वं योग उच्यते।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते।
बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय।
दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय।
कृष्णार्पणमस्तु सर्वकर्माणि।
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः।
यतो धर्मस्ततो जयः।
धर्मे च अर्थे च कामे च मोक्षे च।
सत्यं वद धर्मं चर।
आचार्यदेवो भव।
मातृदेवो भव पितृदेवो भव।
अतिथिदेवो भव।
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत्।
यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम्।
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु।
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।
न मे भक्तः प्रणश्यति।
Best Sanskrit Shlok on Karma: 2 Liner
A two-line Sanskrit shloka makes it easy to remember important philosophical thoughts because it is usually short and clear. The wise sages of ancient times carefully crafted these Karma Quotes in Sanskrit to teach profound lessons in just a few words. These concise shlokas are easy to recall and apply in daily spiritual practice. Typically following common Sanskrit meter styles, they have a steady rhythm that soothes the mind and spirit.
कर्मैव हि संसिद्धिं धारयति मानवः।
न कर्मणि प्रवृत्तः स पापं करोति कदाचन॥
It is karma alone that brings success to humans.
One who acts not, never commits sin.
कर्मण्ये नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं फलत्यागिनम्।
मोहं त्यक्त्वा समाचर हि पुरुषोत्तम पुरुषः॥
Perform your prescribed duties, abandoning attachment to results.
Free from delusion, act always like the Supreme Being.
कर्मणि कर्म योगो युञ्जीत सततं नरः।
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः॥
One should always engage in the yoga of action,
Performing duties without attachment, attaining the highest.
कर्मफलहेतुरभिर्भूतो दुर्बुद्धिः समाहिता।
एतद्यो वेत्ति तं प्राहुः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्परः॥
Poor intellect arises from attachment to the fruits of action.
One who transcends this is called a perfect performer of all actions.
कर्मजं बुद्धियुक्ता हि फलं त्यक्त्वा मनीषिणः।
जन्मबन्धविनिर्मुक्ताः पदं गच्छन्त्यनामयम्॥
Those wise ones whose intellect is engaged in action,
Renouncing the fruit, are freed from birth bondage and attain the immortal state.
Sanskrit Quotes on Karma in English
Karma quotes in English, sourced from Sanskrit works, help bring ancient knowledge to people all over the world. Reading these Sanskrit words with their English interpretations helps us understand what karma truly is and what it means. Today’s explorers of spirituality usually start out with English translations before diving into the original texts in Sanskrit.
कर्मणि मनसा संयोगः फलप्रदायकः सदा।
असंगत्वं तु मोक्षमार्गः सत्त्वं योगीश्वरस्य॥
The union of mind with action always brings results;
Detachment from fruits is the path to liberation, the quality of the supreme yogi.
कर्म कर्मान्यपि ते न गतिः सन्दिग्धकिल्बिषाः।
न हि कर्मफलान्नो विदुः न कर्म करोति ते॥
Actions don’t always lead to liberation due to doubts and sins;
Those ignorant of the fruits of action do not truly act.
कर्म करोहि तत्त्वतः फलानि विहाय सर्वशः।
विपर्यासं च नित्यं कुरु त्वं संन्यसेऽपि कर्मणः॥
Perform actions truly, abandoning all fruits entirely;
Never deviate, even when renouncing actions.
कर्मणां फलानि जहाति विद्वान्।
समता योग उच्यते तस्य॥
The wise one discards the fruits of actions;
Equanimity is called yoga for such a person.
फलैः स्पृष्टः सुखदुःखयोः त्यक्त्वा कर्म करो मत्परः।
सन्न्यासी च योगी च न निरग्निर्न चाक्रियः॥
Touched by pleasure and pain of fruits, perform actions devoted to Me;
The renunciate and yogi are neither inactive nor without fire.
कर्मेणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थितः पुरुषः सदा।
न तस्य कर्म फलं दत्तं म्रियते तदा॥
The person established in karma always attains success;
Their actions do not bear fruit of death.
कर्म कर भव लोकोपकारी।
फल की चिंता मत कर यार॥
Do your work; it benefits the world.
Do not worry about the result.
कर्मणि तिष्ठ स्पष्टं मनः संनियम्य च।
फलप्राप्त्यर्थं न कुर्यात् सङ्गं कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्॥
Remain steady in action with a controlled mind;
Do not act with attachment to fruits as a perfect performer.
असक्तः कर्मण्यसि मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्॥
Be unattached to action, never to the fruits;
Do not be attached to inactivity; yoga is skill in action.
कर्मसु ज्ञानमित्युक्तं बुद्धेः सत्त्वसमाश्रिते।
न तु दुःखेन तु कर्मैः फलानि प्रवर्तते॥
In actions, knowledge rooted in wisdom is said to be true;
But the fruits are not caused by sorrowful deeds.
Lord Krishna Quotes on Karma in Sanskrit

Karma, explained by Lord Krishna, is the primary idea in Hindu thought and was shared directly in the Bhagavad Gita, just before the great battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Krishna’s Sanskrit sayings on karma give people the clearest examples of proper conduct and ethics. Being the main Divine Person of Hinduism, Krishna’s beliefs have very strong spiritual meaning and can encourage change. Following his training, one can lead a balanced life, focus on their own material growth and stay spiritually mindful.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results, and do not be attached to inaction.
योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्।
Yoga is skillfulness in action — performing duties with wisdom, focus, and detachment.
समत्वं योग उच्यते।
Equanimity of mind — staying balanced in success and failure — is called yoga.
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्।
कार्यते ह्यवशः कर्म सर्वः प्रकृतिजैर्गुणैः॥
No one can remain without action even for a moment. Everyone is compelled to act by the qualities born of their nature.
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः।
तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसङ्गः समाचर॥
Actions performed for any purpose other than sacrifice (higher service) cause bondage in this world. Therefore, O Arjuna, perform your duties free from attachment, for that higher purpose.
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥
It is better to fail in one’s own duty than to succeed in another’s. Dying in one’s own dharma is better than following another’s, which brings fear and confusion.
अकर्मकर्म यः पश्येद्कर्मण्यकर्म च।
स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्॥
One who sees action in inaction and inaction in action is truly wise among humans. That person is the true performer of all actions.
कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य य आस्ते मनसा स्मरन्।
इन्द्रियार्थान्विमूढात्मा मिथ्याचारः स उच्यते॥
One who controls the organs of action but continues to dwell on sense objects in the mind is deluded and is called a hypocrite.
यस्त्वात्मरतिरेव स्यादात्मतृप्तश्च मानवः।
आत्मन्येव च सन्तुष्टस्तस्य कार्यं न विद्यते॥
He who delights in the Self, is satisfied in the Self, and is content in the Self alone — for him, there is no duty to perform.
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते।
त्यक्त्वा कर्मफलासङ्गं नित्यतृप्तो निराश्रयः॥
Remaining the same in success and failure is called yoga. Letting go of attachment to results, ever content and independent — this is the state of the true yogi.
बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते।
तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्॥
One who acts with wisdom discards both good and bad karmas. Therefore, be established in yoga — yoga is skillfulness in action.
दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय।
बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणाः फलहेतवः॥
O Dhananjaya (Arjuna), action driven by selfish desire is far inferior to action done with the wisdom of yoga. Seek refuge in this wisdom; those who yearn for results are indeed miserable.
कर्मजं बुद्धियुक्ता हि फलं त्यक्त्वा मनीषिणः।
जन्मबन्धविनिर्मुक्ताः पदं गच्छन्त्यनामयम्॥
The wise, acting with detachment and steady wisdom, renounce the fruits of actions and are freed from the cycle of birth and death. They attain the supreme, eternal state.
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः॥
Therefore, always perform your duty without attachment. By doing so, one attains the highest spiritual fulfillment.
प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः।
अहंकारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते॥
All actions are carried out by the modes of nature. But one whose mind is deluded by ego thinks, “I am the doer.”
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत्।
यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम्॥
Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, give, or practice as austerity — do it as an offering unto Me, O Arjuna.
Small Karma Quotes in Sanskrit and Hindi
Indian philosophy considers the principle of karma or cause and effect, to be very important. It tells us that our actions, however they may be, influence our future. These small sayings in Sanskrit and Hindi remind us that our simple actions bring results later. Their brief statements encourage us to be mindful, responsible and virtuous each day. They are most useful when applied to guiding our moral and spiritual lives. Quotes from the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads which come from ancient scriptures, are great to reflect upon daily.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
You have the right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your actions.
योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्।
Yoga is the skill of acting wisely and effectively.
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्।
No one can remain without performing action, even for a moment.
सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।
Remain balanced in pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat.
त्यक्त्वा कर्मफलासङ्गं नित्यतृप्तो निराश्रयः।
By giving up attachment to outcomes, one becomes ever content and self-sufficient.
प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः।
All actions are performed by nature’s qualities; the ego thinks “I am the doer.”
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत्। यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम्॥
Whatever you do, eat, offer, give, or practice — offer it all to Me as a sacred act.
Sanskrit Quotes From Ramayana For Students
Besides being a religious story, the Ramayana also teaches enduring lessons for life. For students, religion directs them to follow discipline, obey, respect their elders, practice honesty and not give up easily. The quotes from the Ramayana in Sanskrit help young people understand the importance of good habits and reaching the best they can. Each quotation represents the moral ideas that Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman and other excellent characters believe in.
धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः।
Dharma protects those who protect it.
सत्यं वद धर्मं चर।
Speak the truth, walk the path of righteousness.
सत्यं हि परमं धर्मं।
Truth is indeed the highest dharma.
कर्म भूमि हि लोकेऽस्मिन्।
This world is truly a land of karma (action).
न हि धर्मादपि किञ्चित् पावनं।
Nothing is more purifying than dharma.
धर्म एव हतो हन्ति धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः।
When dharma is destroyed, it destroys; when preserved, it protects.
Inspirational/Motivational Sanskrit Quotes
Many inspiring ideas that energize the soul and mind are found in the ancient language of Sanskrit. Sanskrit quotes offer encouragement, bring positive thoughts and motivate people to be courageous and strong. The quotes come from eternal works including the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita and traditional poems. If you’re a student, a professional or simply seeking self-improvement, mantras and sayings like these support you in conquering your fears, accomplishing your ambitions and increasing your focus.
उद्धरेदात्मनाऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
Lift yourself by your own efforts; do not degrade yourself.
कर्मणि एव अधिकारः ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
Your duty is to act — never to the fruit of the action.
कर्म करो और फल की चिंता मत करो। (In Sanskrit style thought)
Do your work without worrying about the result.
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्।
No one can remain without action even for a moment.
कर्म ही पूजा है। (Translated thought-style Sanskrit)
Action itself is worship.
यथाकर्म तथा फलम्।
As the action, so the result.
कर्मसिद्धिः हि सततं प्रयत्नेन साध्यते।
Success in karma is always achieved through constant effort.
Karma Quotes for Enemies
The immediate reaction after someone does you wrong is to lash out at them. However, in Sanskrit teachings, there is always a better way to deal with such people. These quotes point out that hostility builds a debt that will need to be paid by the person committing the act, regardless of how you respond.
परद्रव्येषु ये लुब्धाः परदाराभिमर्शिनः। पतन्ति नरके घोरे स्वकर्मफलहेतुना॥
Those who lust after others’ wealth and honor fall into a terrible state due to the fruits of their own actions.
शत्रोः अपि गुणाः वाच्याः दोषाः वाच्याः गुरोः अपि।
One should acknowledge the virtues even of an enemy, for karma judges the quality of the soul, not the label of the person.
यस्य यस्य हि यो भावस्तेन तेन समागतः।
Whatever intentions a person holds, they will eventually encounter the same energy in their own life.
अधर्मेणैधते तावत् ततो भद्राणि पश्यति। ततः सपत्नान् जयति समूलस्तु विनश्यति॥
The wicked may prosper for a while and even defeat enemies, but they are eventually destroyed at the root by their own karma.
न हि पापकर्म कर्तारं फलकाले न पश्यति।
Sinful deeds never fail to find the doer when the time for the result arrives.
आत्मनः प्रतिकूलानि परेषां न समाचरेत्।
Do not do unto others what you find hurtful to yourself, for the boomerang of action is inevitable.
स्वयंकृतं हि मर्तव्यं नान्यः कश्चित् प्रपद्यते।
One must experience what they have personally done; no one else can take the hit for their bad deeds.
यद् वृक्षमग्रुतः कश्चिद् छिनत्ति स च रोहति।
If someone cuts the top of a tree, it grows back, but karma cuts the root of the malicious.
परोपकारः पुण्याय पापाय परपीडनम्।
Doing good to others brings merit; causing pain to others brings the debt of sin.
यथा धेनुसहस्रेषु वत्सो विन्दति मातरम्। तथा पूर्वकृतं कर्म कर्तारमनुगच्छति॥
Just as a calf finds its mother among a thousand cows, an individual’s past deeds always find the doer.
दुर्जनः प्रियवादी च नैतद् विश्वासकारणम्।
A wicked person speaking sweetly is no reason for trust; their karma is already written in their intent.
क्रोधो हि शत्रुः प्रथमो नराणाम्।
Anger is the first enemy, as it generates the worst kind of karmic debt for the one who feels it.
हिंसा परधर्मो न भवति।
Violence toward an enemy is never the highest path; the law of return is more powerful than the sword.
शुभेन कर्मणा सौख्यं दुःखं पापेन कर्मणा।
Happiness comes from good deeds, and suffering is the shadow of sinful actions.
Karma Quotes for Cheaters
Betrayal often feels like a direct hit to the soul, but according to Sanskrit philosophy, a cheater actually is robbing their own future! When you break your trust, they’re not only hurt you they are actually building a web of lies and deceits which in the end will trap them. These quotes emphasize that while a lie might provide a shortcut today, the karmic road ahead is long and steep for the dishonest.
सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् न ब्रूयात् सत्यमप्रियम्।
Speak the truth, speak what is pleasant, but never use deceit for personal gain.
नानृतात् पातकं किञ्चित्।
There is no sin greater than falsehood and cheating.
योऽन्यथा सन्तमात्मानमन्यथा प्रतिपद्यते। किं तेन न कृतं पापं चोरेणात्मापहारिणा॥
He who represents himself as something other than what he is, is a thief who has stolen his own soul.
सत्यमेव जयते नानृतम्।
Truth alone triumphs, not falsehood.
कपटं न चिरं तिष्ठति।
Deceit does not stand the test of time.
यथा चित्तं तथा वाचो यथा वाचस्तथा क्रियाः।
As the mind is, so should the words be; as the words are, so should the actions be. Cheaters break this harmony.
विश्वासो नैव कर्तव्यः स्त्रीषु राजकुलेषु च।
Do not place blind trust in those who lack a history of integrity.
अधर्मेणैधते तावत्।
A person may prosper through unrighteousness (cheating) only for a very short time.
ऋते ज्ञानान्न मुक्तिः।
There is no liberation without truth; a cheater remains forever bound to their lies.
सत्यं स्वर्गस्य सोपानम्।
Truth is the ladder to heaven; cheating is the slide to self-destruction.
यथा ह्येकेन चक्रेण न रथस्य गतिर्भवेत्। एवं परुषकर्मेण न सिद्धिं लभते जनः॥
As a chariot cannot move on one wheel, a person cannot find true success through dishonest deeds.
लोभः प्रज्ञानमाहन्ति।
Greed destroys wisdom, leading the cheater to believe they won’t be caught.
छिद्रं निरूप्य सहसा प्रविशन्ति दोषाः।
Faults enter quickly through the holes created by dishonesty.
दत्तस्यापि हि पापस्य न विनाशाेऽस्ति कुत्रचित्।
A sinful act committed can never be destroyed without being accounted for.
दुष्टात्मा कलहप्रियः।
A wicked soul loves conflict and deceit, but it only leads to their own unrest.
सत्यं नास्ति तपो नास्ति।
Without truth, there is no real spiritual practice or progress.
विनाशकाले विपरीत बुद्धिः।
When destruction nears, one’s intellect turns perverse, leading them to cheat.
पापस्य फलं दुःखम्।
The fruit of sin is inevitable suffering.
न जातु कामाः कामानामुपभोगेन शाम्यति।
Desire (to cheat) is never quenched by indulgence; it only grows like fire with fuel.
कृतं मे दक्षिणे हस्ते जयो मे सव्य आहितः।
Success belongs to the one whose right hand works with integrity.
न सा सभा यत्र न सन्ति वृद्धाः।
That is no assembly where there are no honest elders to call out the deceit.
वरं प्राणत्यागो न च पुनरधमत्वं।
Better to die than to live a life of baseness and cheating.
धर्मस्य मूलं सत्यम्।
The root of righteousness is truth.
मनस्यन्यद् वचस्यन्यत् कर्मण्यन्यद् दुरात्मनाम्।
The wicked have one thing in mind, another on their lips, and another in their actions.
प्रकाशापरमं नास्ति सत्यं।
There is no light greater than truth; a cheater lives in perpetual darkness.
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः।
May all be happy; but those who cause unhappiness through cheating must face the reaction.
विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते।
The wise and honest are honored everywhere, while the cheater is shunned.
सत्यं वद धर्मं चर।
Speak the truth, walk the path of righteousness.
आत्मानं सततं रक्षेत्।
Always protect your soul; cheating is the fastest way to lose it.
कर्मैव हि सिद्धिः।
Action alone leads to success, but only when that action is pure.
Work Karma Quotes Sanskrit
According to Vedic principles, work not only helps you make a living, it is a way of advancing your spirit in the practice of Karma Yoga. Your inner peace depends on how you approach your duties, the attitude you adopt while working, and your attitude towards the fruits of your labor.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.
योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्।
Yoga is excellence in action; performing your work with skill and mindfulness.
नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः।
Perform your obligatory duty, for action is better than inaction.
कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वम्।
Therefore, you should only perform your work with dedication.
शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम्।
The body is the primary tool for performing work and achieving dharma.
उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति कार्याणि न मनोरथैः।
Tasks are accomplished by hard work, not just by wishing.
सिद्धिर्भवति कर्मजा।
Success is born from action.
नास्ति ह्युद्यमसमो बन्धुः।
There is no friend like hard work.
आलस्यं हि मनुष्याणां शरीरस्थो महान् रिपुः।
Laziness is the greatest enemy residing within the human body.
यद् यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः।
Whatever actions a great person performs, common people follow.
कर्मणा बध्यते जन्तुर्विद्यया च विमुच्यते।
A living being is bound by action (without knowledge) and liberated by wisdom.
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्।
No one can remain even for a moment without performing some kind of action.
स्वे स्वे कर्मण्यभिरतः संसिद्धिं लभते नरः।
By being devoted to one’s own duty, a person attains perfection.
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।
Therefore, always perform your required work without attachment.
परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यथ।
By working together and nourishing one’s colleagues, one attains the supreme good.
श्रद्धावाँल्लभते ज्ञानं तत्परः संयतेन्द्रियः।
The faithful, the intent, and the self-controlled attain the knowledge necessary for success.
Life Quotes in Sanskrit
Everyone goes through life filled with change, growth and meaningful purpose. Because of its deep spiritual history, Sanskrit can teach us a lot about life. These quotes discuss existence, time, the truth, inner peace and the way things change. You can find much wisdom for living well and being mindful in life quotes from Sanskrit.
सन्तोषः परमं सुखम्।
Contentment is the highest happiness.
अहिंसा परमो धर्मः।
Non-violence is the highest dharma (duty).
सत्यं हि परमं वचः।
Truth is indeed the supreme speech.
जीवनं अनित्यं, धर्मः नित्यः।
Life is temporary, but righteousness is eternal.
न चोरहार्यं न च राजहार्यं।
Knowledge cannot be stolen or taxed — it is a true treasure.
न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते।
Nothing in this world is as pure as true knowledge.
कालः सर्वं भक्षयति।
Time consumes everything.
जीवनं कर्मभूमिः अस्ति।
Life is the field of action.
मृत्युः सर्वहरश्चाहम्।
I am death, the destroyer of all (from the Gita — about the nature of life).
धर्मेण जीवितं श्रेयः।
Living life through dharma is the best path.
The Significance of Karma in Daily Life
- Accountability: Karma makes us responsible for our own actions, what we think and our intentions. Everything we decide can change who we are and the things we later experience, helping us to think carefully in all situations.
- Compassion: Applying karmic thoughts gives us empathy and kindness in our interactions with people. Being aware that our choices have consequences encourages us to become patient, forgiving and concerned about others’ personal growth.
- Mindfulness: Karma inspires us to tune into our thoughts and actions as they happen. It makes us weigh our actions, so we act by our beliefs and bring about positive results.
- Justice: Believing in karma helps people feel that what’s right will eventually happen, even when things look unfair now. Because of this, true believers can handle hard times and avoid wanting revenge.
- Growth: Seeing challenges from a karmic perspective makes them useful opportunities for learning. It inspires people to become stronger, think about themselves and continue growing instead of feeling like victims or pointing blame.
- Service: Motivated by karma, people want to do good for others. Being aware that positive actions give out good energy motivates individuals to help their community and care about making everyone flourish.
Conclusion
The wisdom shared in these 250+ Sanskrit quotes about karma covers what humans have learned regarding cause and effect. From the ancient Bhagavad Gita to the special Upanishads, these words direct us on the route to a good and wise life. Lord Krishna advises us to fulfill our duties without expecting results and ancient sages clearly describe the complex details of karma affecting many lifetimes. The spiritual power of these mantras inspires you to make ordinary things part of your spiritual path through their effect on your mind. These teachings have inspired countless individuals for centuries and still motivate many today because of their helpfulness in dealing with modern life.
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FAQs
What is the main karma lesson found in the Bhagavad Gita?
One of the best known karma quotes is, “कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन” which means you have a right to act properly, but not to the rewards of your actions.
How many kinds of karma are mentioned in works written in Sanskrit?
Five kinds of karma are mentioned in the Sanskrit writings: Sanchita (the total sum of past actions), Prarabdha (when those actions are experienced), Kriyamana (ongoing actions), Vipaka (the result of those actions) and Akarma (action with no attachment or expectation).
Why do karma teachings see Sanskrit as an important language?
Sanskrit is known as the divine language that really preserves traditional teachings, including holy vibrations and meanings often not fully found in a literal sense.
What makes karma different from dharma?
Karma deals with what actions lead to and dharma is about doing what is right and moral. When you perform Dharmic duties, you gain good karma and progress along your spiritual journey to become free from birth and death.
What difference can these quotes from Sanskrit make in our everyday life?
The quotes guide good decision-making, teach us to be indifferent to outcomes, encourage service without expecting a reward and assist in staying balanced during success or failure, changing simple duties into spiritual practices.

