Chapter XVIII · Śloka 23
नियतं सङ्गरहितमरागद्वेषतः कृतम् ।
अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत्तत्सात्त्विकमुच्यते ॥
अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत्तत्सात्त्विकमुच्यते ॥
niyataṃ saṅga-rahitam arāga-dveṣataḥ kṛtam |
aphala-prepsunā karma yat tat sāttvikam ucyate ||
aphala-prepsunā karma yat tat sāttvikam ucyate ||
Action that is prescribed, free from attachment, performed without passion or aversion, by one who does not desire fruit — that is called sāttvika.
Sāttvika action is the living expression of karma-yoga: duty performed impeccably, without the coloring of personal desire, aversion, or ambition for result. It is action as pure service.