Depending on no one

naiva tasya kṛtenārtho nākṛteneha kaścanana cāsya sarvabhūteṣu kaścidarthavyapāśrayaḥ

For such a person, nothing is gained by acting, nothing by not acting, and no purpose depends on any being.

What it means

Krishna continues describing the free person. They gain nothing personal from action or inaction. Their happiness doesn't depend on any person, outcome or approval. This isn't coldness. It's a freedom that lets them love without needing anything back.

The story

Arjuna's suffering is full of dependence. On his family's approval, on outcomes, on honour. Krishna paints a person who is free of all that. Arjuna isn't there yet, but he can glimpse it.

In your life

Picture a mentor who helps young people without needing them to succeed or say thanks. Their support feels clean, freeing. Help someone today without expecting anything at all.