When an obligatory action (niyata karma) is performed merely because it must be done, O Arjuna, Having abandoned attachment (saṅga) and also the fruit (phala), that abandonment (tyāga) is thought to be of goodness (sāttvika).
But if one performs prescribed action because it must be done, relinquishing attachment and the fruit, his relinquishment is a lucid act.
(9) But if a work is done simply because it should be done and is enjoined [by Scripture], and if [all] attachment, [all thought of] fruit is given up, then that is surrender in Goodness[' way], I deem.
18.9 Whatever obligatory duty is performed just because it is a bounden duty, O Arjuna, by giving up attachment and the result as well,-that renunciation is considered to be based on sattva.
18.9 When actions are performed as what ought to be done, O Arjuna, renouncing attachment and also fruits, such abandonment is regarded as Sāttvika.
18.9 Whatever obligatory action is done, O Arjuna, merely because it ought to be done, abandoning attachment and also the desire for reward, that renunciation is regarded as Sattvic (pure).