For him, there is no purpose in work, nor any reason to avoid work. For such a person, there is no dependence on anything in the world.
A self-sufficient person, Krishna teaches, is unaffected by praise or blame. He portrays independence from outcomes as essential for spiritual maturity, urging Arjuna to act without concern for external validation or reward.
Therefore, always perform your duty without attachment, for by performing work without attachment, one attains the Supreme.
Krishna advocates detached action, emphasizing that selfless deeds lead to the highest goal. He encourages continual effort without attachment, showing Arjuna that true renunciation involves commitment to duty without expectation.
By action alone, King Janaka and others attained perfection. You should perform your duties for the welfare of the world.
Krishna highlights examples of exemplary figures like King Janaka, who achieved liberation through action. By acting selflessly for the good of society, one attains both personal growth and societal harmony, inspiring others to do the same.
Whatever a great man does, others will follow; whatever standards he sets, the world will follow.
Krishna describes how leaders set standards through their actions. By acting with integrity, leaders influence others positively, guiding society toward virtue and stability, thus underscoring the importance of leading by example.
O son of Pritha, I have no duty in all three worlds, nor anything to gain or to attain, yet I continue to engage in action.
Krishna clarifies that, despite his supreme position, he performs duties to set an example. This exemplifies selfless leadership, where even the divine follows dharma to demonstrate the ideal of responsibility and adherence to duty.
If I do not engage in action, O Partha, all men would follow My path.
If Krishna abstained from action, he explains, others would abandon their duties, leading to societal chaos. His commitment illustrates the importance of maintaining order through consistent effort, even for the enlightened.
These worlds would perish if I did not perform action, and I would be the cause of confusion and the destroyer of these beings.
Krishna warns that neglecting duty would lead to moral decay and societal harm. This highlights the role of dharma in preserving order, urging Arjuna to act not only for personal liberation but also for the welfare of humanity.