karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi
You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.
This shloka teaches that we should perform our duties (karma) with devotion and dedication, but should not worry about its results. Focusing on the result makes the mind restless, while focusing on the action brings peace and satisfaction.
Word by Word Meaning:
karmaṇi - in prescribed duties
eva - only
adhikāraḥ - right
te - your
mā - not
phaleṣhu - in the fruits
kadāchana - at any time
mā - never
karma-phala - results of the activities
hetuḥ - cause
bhūḥ - be
mā - not
te - your
saṅgaḥ - attachment
astu - must be
akarmaṇi - in inaction