Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 3 Karma Yogah

Karma Yogah - All actions are performed by the modes of material nature. But the deluded soul, under the influence of false ego, thinks himself to be the doer.

प्रकृते: क्रियमाणानि गुणै: कर्माणि सर्वश: |
अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते ||27||

All actions are performed by the modes of material nature. But the deluded soul, under the influence of false ego, thinks himself to be the doer.

Guṇaiḥ: By qualities or attributes.
Karmāṇi: Actions or deeds.
Ahaṅkāra: Ego or sense of self.

Krishna teaches that actions arise from nature’s qualities, but ignorance makes people believe they are the true agents. This notion challenges Arjuna to understand the role of nature in shaping actions, reducing personal ego.

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Karma Yogah - One who knows the truth about the divisions of the qualities and their functions, O mighty-armed one, is not attached to action, knowing that qualities act upon qualities.

तत्त्ववित्तु महाबाहो गुणकर्मविभागयो: |
गुणा गुणेषु वर्तन्त इति मत्वा न सज्जते ||28||

One who knows the truth about the divisions of the qualities and their functions, O mighty-armed one, is not attached to action, knowing that qualities act upon qualities.

Tattvavit: Knower of truth.
Mahābāho: O mighty-armed one.
Vibhāga: Division or distinction.

Those with knowledge see actions as interactions of nature’s qualities, staying detached. Krishna’s insight encourages objectivity, helping Arjuna recognize that qualities act on qualities, eliminating personal pride in outcomes.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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