Philosophy of Duty

One is enjoined to perform one’s duties only; but not with the expectation of results. No duty be undertaken with the motivation of results. Nor, one should be indifferent towards one’s duty on the ground that he is not interested in the results (II-47).

This philosophy of duty is a turning point in Indian cultural history. It is directly in contrast with the view of vedavaadaratas mentioned above. While the Vedavaadaratas or those who went by superficial meaning of the Vedas insisted that deeds are to be taken for the respective results, the philosophy of duty held by Gita insists that deeds that are svadharma be undertaken as svadharma without the motivation of results. Performance of one’s duty in dedication to God with deep devotion is an end by itself and not a means excepting the knowledge and grace of God. 

This theory of deeds is known as nishkaamakarma theory or nivrttakarma theory as against kaamykarma theory of mimamsakas. 

Three important points are involved in this theory: 
1. One has to undertake one’s duty because it is a duty. 
2. Results should not be the motivation for undertaking any deed. 
3. None should give up or be indifferent towards his duty on the grounds that he is not interested in the results or there are no results. Such performance of duty has to be in dedication to God with deep devotion to him. 

This is the Gita theory of Nishkaamakarma. 

Reference: Gita Bhashya & Tatparya