Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 3 Karma Yogah

Karma Yogah - Those deluded by the qualities of nature become attached to actions performed by the qualities. But the wise should not disturb those ignorant and deluded persons.

रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढा: सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु |
तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान्कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत् ||29||

Those deluded by the qualities of nature become attached to actions performed by the qualities. But the wise should not disturb those ignorant and deluded persons.

Akṛtsnavidaḥ: Incomplete knowledge or understanding.
Mandān: Dull or ignorant.
Sajjante: Become attached.

Ignorant individuals cling to actions, unaware of their own limitations. Krishna warns the wise to avoid disturbing such people’s perceptions, emphasizing patience and understanding toward those lacking a complete view of karma.

Bookmark removed

मयि सर्वाणि कर्माणि संन्यस्याध्यात्मचेतसा |
निराशीर्निर्ममो भूत्वा युध्यस्व विगतज्वर: ||30||

Renouncing all actions in Me, with your mind fixed on the Self, without desire for gain, fight, free from lethargy.

Mayi: In Me (Krishna).
Saṁnyasyā: Renouncing or dedicating.
Adhyātmacetasā: With a mind absorbed in the self.

Krishna encourages Arjuna to act without attachment, offering his actions to the divine. This act of surrender represents true karma yoga, where one’s deeds are performed as an offering, liberating the individual from anxiety.

Bookmark removed

ये मे मतमिदं नित्यमनुतिष्ठन्ति मानवा: |
श्रद्धावन्तोऽनसूयन्तो मुच्यन्ते तेऽपि कर्मभि: ||31||

Those who faithfully follow this teaching of Mine, without envy, are released from the bondage of actions.

Śraddhāvantaḥ: Faithful or devoted.
Anasūya: Free from envy.
Mucyante: Are released or liberated.

Krishna explains that those who follow his teachings with devotion attain liberation. This emphasizes faith and alignment with divine wisdom as key factors in transcending karma and finding inner peace.

Bookmark removed

ये त्वेतदभ्यसूयन्तो नानुतिष्ठन्ति मे मतम् |
सर्वज्ञानविमूढांस्तान्विद्धि नष्टानचेतस: ||32||

But those who, out of envy, do not follow My teaching, they are to be regarded as deluded and devoid of knowledge, ruined and mindless.

Nānutiṣṭhanti: Do not follow or practice.
Vimūḍhāḥ: Deluded or confused.
Acetasaḥ: Mindless or lacking intelligence.

Those who reject Krishna’s teachings are bound by ignorance, unable to reach enlightenment. Krishna’s words stress the importance of humility and willingness to learn as prerequisites for spiritual growth and freedom.

Bookmark removed

सदृशं चेष्टते स्वस्या: प्रकृतेर्ज्ञानवानपि |
प्रकृतिं यान्ति भूतानि निग्रह: किं करिष्यति ||33||

Even a wise man acts according to his own nature, for all beings follow their nature. What can repression accomplish?

Ceṣṭate: Acts or engages in.
Nigrahaḥ: Repression or suppression.
Prakṛtim: Nature or innate tendency.

Even the wise are subject to their inherent nature, Krishna states, showing that one’s nature directs behavior. This insight highlights the limitations of forced restraint, suggesting that self-awareness and acceptance are key.

Bookmark removed

इन्द्रियस्येन्द्रियस्यार्थे रागद्वेषौ व्यवस्थितौ |
तयोर्न वशमागच्छेत्तौ ह्यस्य परिपन्थिनौ ||34||

Attachment and aversion for sense objects are fixed in every sense; let none come under their sway, for they are his foes.

Rāga: Attachment or attraction.
Dveṣa: Aversion or dislike.
Paripanthinau: Opponents or obstructors.

Attachment and aversion bind the senses, Krishna explains. He advises moderation, warning Arjuna not to succumb to emotional extremes, portraying them as obstacles to spiritual progress and inner balance.

Bookmark removed

Karma Yogah - Better is one’s own duty, though deficient, than the duty of another, well performed. Better is death in one’s own duty; the duty of another invites danger.

श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुण: परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् |
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेय: परधर्मो भयावह: ||35||

Better is one’s own duty, though deficient, than the duty of another, well performed. Better is death in one’s own duty; the duty of another invites danger.

Svadharma: One’s own duty or nature.
Paradharma: Another’s duty or nature.
Bhayāvahaḥ: Fearful or dangerous.

Krishna asserts that it’s better to follow one’s own path imperfectly than to excel in another’s. He promotes authenticity and encourages Arjuna to act according to his own dharma, warning of the dangers of imitation.

Bookmark removed