Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 4: Knowledge and the Renouncing of Action

Bhagavad Gita 4.21

nirāśīryatacittātmā tyaktasarvaparigrahaḥ | śārīraṃ kevalaṃ karma kurvannāpnoti kilbiṣam ||

Without expectations, with mind and self under control, having given up all possessions and doing only what the body requires, one incurs no fault.

Modern context

This verse describes the simplest life: no expectations, a governed mind, no hoarding, and only as much activity as the body needs to keep going. Few people live this way outwardly. The inner attitude is open to anyone: owning things without being owned by them, and keeping one's needs modest. Parigraha, 'grasping', is the key word. Having things is not the trouble. The fault begins with the clutching.