Niṣkāma Karma
निष्कामकर्मनपुंसकलिङ्ग (neuter) · निष् (niṣ — without) + काम (kāma — desire) + कर्म (karma — action)
niṣkāma-karma
Ethics and Values
Desireless action — acting from dharma, not for results
Niṣkāma karma is action performed without attachment to results — doing what is right (dhārma) without being motivated by personal reward. It is the heart of karma yoga as taught in the Bhagavad Gītā (2.47). Niṣkāma karma purifies the mind and prepares for self-knowledge. It is not indifference but maturity.
Using this in academic work? Get formal citation
Vishva Vidya (2026). Niṣkāma Karma (निष्कामकर्म). Vishva Vidya — Vedanta. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/nishkama-karma
Vishva Vidya. "Niṣkāma Karma (निष्कामकर्म)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026, https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/nishkama-karma.
Vishva Vidya. "Niṣkāma Karma (निष्कामकर्म)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/nishkama-karma.
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