Therefore, always perform the action that must be done, without attachment. For by acting without attachment, one attains the Supreme.

Chapter 3 develops Karma Yoga — the yoga of action. This verse summarizes its essence: act, but without sakti (attachment) to the result.

Kāryam karma (the action that must be done) indicates that there are actions appropriate to our situation, duties (dharma) that correspond to us. Yoga is not escaping responsibilities but fulfilling them with a different attitude.

Satatam (constantly) extends the practice to all of life, not just the moment of formal meditation.

Asaktaḥ (without attachment) is the key. Attachment to results generates anxiety before the action, disturbance during, and frustration or inflation afterward. Detachment frees action from this burden.

Param āpnoti (attains the Supreme) promises that this attitude leads to liberation. It’s not necessary to renounce action; renouncing attachment is enough.

For the Haṭha practitioner: each āsana is an opportunity for Karma Yoga. Give your best effort without obsessing over “achieving” the posture.