Introduction
Chapter 3, Karma Yoga, explores why action is necessary and how it can be performed without selfish attachment. Arjuna asks why Krishna urges him toward action when knowledge appears superior. Krishna explains that people cannot remain entirely inactive and that disciplined, selfless work is a path to spiritual freedom.
The chapter develops the ideas of duty, sacrifice, mutual support, leadership by example, and mastery over desire and anger. Its central teaching is to perform one's responsibility sincerely, dedicate one's actions to a higher purpose, and avoid being controlled by attachment to results.
How the chapter unfolds
- Knowledge and action (3.1–3.9)
Krishna explains that avoiding action does not bring freedom; work performed as an offering can loosen bondage.
- The cycle of mutual support (3.10–3.16)
Sacrifice, gratitude, nature, food, and action are presented as parts of a sustaining cycle.
- Action for the welfare of the world (3.17–3.24)
The wise act without selfish need, while exemplary conduct helps guide and sustain society.
- Acting without attachment (3.25–3.35)
Krishna teaches disciplined action, understanding of nature's qualities, and care in fulfilling one's own duty.
- Conquering desire and anger (3.36–3.43)
Krishna identifies desire as a powerful source of confusion and urges mastery of the senses through self-knowledge.
Sanskrit text follows the widely used Gita Press / IIT Kanpur Gita Supersite recension. The Hindi and English meanings and explanations are explanatory renderings prepared for this site, not the only authoritative interpretation.
The verses
Verse 3.1 Arjuna
अर्जुन उवाच। ज्यायसी चेत्कर्मणस्ते मता बुद्धिर्जनार्दन। तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसि केशव॥१॥
arjuna uvāca jyāyasī cet karmaṇas te matā buddhir janārdana tat kiṃ karmaṇi ghore māṃ niyojayasi keśava
- Hindi meaning
- यदि ज्ञान कर्म से श्रेष्ठ है, तो आप मुझे इस कठिन कर्म में क्यों लगाते हैं?
- English meaning
- If wisdom is superior to action, why do you urge me toward this difficult action?
- Explanation
- Arjuna asks how wisdom and action fit together.
Verse 3.2 Arjuna
व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीव मे। तदेकं वद निश्चित्य येन श्रेयोऽहमाप्नुयाम्॥२॥
vyāmiśreṇeva vākyena buddhiṃ mohayasīva me tad ekaṃ vada niścitya yena śreyo 'ham āpnuyām
- Hindi meaning
- आपके वचन मेरी बुद्धि को भ्रमित कर रहे हैं। मेरा निश्चित कल्याण किस मार्ग से होगा, बताइए।
- English meaning
- Your words seem to confuse me. Tell me decisively which path leads to my highest good.
- Explanation
- Arjuna requests a clear teaching.
Verse 3.3 Krishna
श्रीभगवानुवाच। लोकेऽस्मिन्द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ। ज्ञानयोगेन सांख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम्॥३॥
śrībhagavān uvāca loke 'smin dvividhā niṣṭhā purā proktā mayānagha jñānayogena sāṃkhyānāṃ karmayogena yoginām
- Hindi meaning
- मैंने दो निष्ठाएँ बताई हैं—विचारशीलों के लिए ज्ञानयोग और कर्मयोगियों के लिए कर्मयोग।
- English meaning
- I have taught two paths: the path of knowledge for contemplatives and the path of action for practitioners.
- Explanation
- Different disciplines suit different temperaments.
Verse 3.4 Krishna
न कर्मणामनारम्भान्नैष्कर्म्यं पुरुषोऽश्नुते। न च संन्यसनादेव सिद्धिं समधिगच्छति॥४॥
na karmaṇām anārambhān naiṣkarmyaṃ puruṣo 'śnute na ca saṃnyasanād eva siddhiṃ samadhigacchati
- Hindi meaning
- कर्म न करने से निष्कर्मता नहीं मिलती, और केवल त्याग से सिद्धि प्राप्त नहीं होती।
- English meaning
- Freedom is not attained merely by avoiding action, nor by outward renunciation alone.
- Explanation
- Inner freedom depends on understanding, not inactivity.
Verse 3.5 Krishna
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्। कार्यते ह्यवशः कर्म सर्वः प्रकृतिजैर्गुणैः॥५॥
na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api jātv akarmakṛt kāryate hy avaśaḥ karma sarvaḥ prakṛtijair guṇaiḥ
- Hindi meaning
- कोई भी क्षणभर पूरी तरह कर्मरहित नहीं रह सकता; प्रकृति के गुण सभी को कर्म में प्रवृत्त करते हैं।
- English meaning
- No one remains entirely inactive even for a moment; nature's qualities impel everyone to act.
- Explanation
- The question is how to act, not whether to act.
Verse 3.6 Krishna
कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य य आस्ते मनसा स्मरन्। इन्द्रियार्थान्विमूढात्मा मिथ्याचारः स उच्यते॥६॥
karmendriyāṇi saṃyamya ya āste manasā smaran indriyārthān vimūḍhātmā mithyācāraḥ sa ucyate
- Hindi meaning
- जो कर्मेन्द्रियों को रोककर भी मन में विषयों का चिन्तन करता है, वह मिथ्याचारी कहलाता है।
- English meaning
- One who restrains action outwardly but dwells on sense objects mentally is self-deluded.
- Explanation
- Outer restraint without inner discipline is incomplete.
Verse 3.7 Krishna
यस्त्विन्द्रियाणि मनसा नियम्यारभतेऽर्जुन। कर्मेन्द्रियैः कर्मयोगमसक्तः स विशिष्यते॥७॥
yas tv indriyāṇi manasā niyamyārabhate 'rjuna karmendriyaiḥ karmayogam asaktaḥ sa viśiṣyate
- Hindi meaning
- जो मन से इन्द्रियों को संयमित कर आसक्ति रहित कर्मयोग करता है, वह श्रेष्ठ है।
- English meaning
- One who governs the senses and acts without attachment excels.
- Explanation
- Disciplined action is preferable to hypocrisy.
Verse 3.8 Krishna
नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः। शरीरयात्रापि च ते न प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः॥८॥
niyataṃ kuru karma tvaṃ karma jyāyo hy akarmaṇaḥ śarīrayātrāpi ca te na prasiddhyed akarmaṇaḥ
- Hindi meaning
- अपना नियत कर्तव्य करो; कर्म निष्क्रियता से श्रेष्ठ है, क्योंकि शरीर का निर्वाह भी कर्म बिना नहीं हो सकता।
- English meaning
- Perform your duty; action is better than inaction, since even bodily maintenance requires action.
- Explanation
- Responsible action sustains life.
Verse 3.9 Krishna
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः। तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसङ्गः समाचर॥९॥
yajñārthāt karmaṇo 'nyatra loko 'yaṃ karmabandhanaḥ tadarthaṃ karma kaunteya muktasaṅgaḥ samācara
- Hindi meaning
- यज्ञभाव से किए कर्म के अतिरिक्त कर्म बन्धन बनते हैं; इसलिए आसक्ति रहित होकर कर्म करो।
- English meaning
- Action binds unless performed as an offering; therefore act without attachment.
- Explanation
- Offering transforms work beyond selfish gain.
Verse 3.10 Krishna
सहयज्ञाः प्रजाः सृष्ट्वा पुरोवाच प्रजापतिः। अनेन प्रसविष्यध्वमेष वोऽस्त्विष्टकामधुक्॥१०॥
sahayajñāḥ prajāḥ sṛṣṭvā purovāca prajāpatiḥ anena prasaviṣyadhvam eṣa vo 'stv iṣṭakāmadhuk
- Hindi meaning
- सृष्टि के आरम्भ में प्रजापति ने यज्ञ सहित प्रजाओं से कहा—इससे उन्नति करो; यह तुम्हारी उचित कामनाएँ पूर्ण करे।
- English meaning
- The Creator brought forth beings with sacrifice and said: prosper through this, and may it fulfil worthy needs.
- Explanation
- Life flourishes through reciprocity and offering.
Verse 3.11 Krishna
देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु वः। परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यथ॥११॥
devān bhāvayatānena te devā bhāvayantu vaḥ parasparaṃ bhāvayantaḥ śreyaḥ param avāpsyatha
- Hindi meaning
- एक-दूसरे का पोषण करते हुए तुम परम कल्याण प्राप्त करोगे।
- English meaning
- Nourish the divine powers, and may they nourish you; mutual support brings the highest good.
- Explanation
- Interdependence sustains life.
Verse 3.12 Krishna
इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः। तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः॥१२॥
iṣṭān bhogān hi vo devā dāsyante yajñabhāvitāḥ tair dattān apradāyaibhyo yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ
- Hindi meaning
- दिए गए साधनों को लौटाए बिना अकेले भोगने वाला चोर के समान है।
- English meaning
- One who enjoys gifts without giving back is like a thief.
- Explanation
- Gratitude entails reciprocity.
Verse 3.13 Krishna
यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषैः। भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात्॥१३॥
yajñaśiṣṭāśinaḥ santo mucyante sarvakilbiṣaiḥ bhuñjate te tv aghaṃ pāpā ye pacanty ātmakāraṇāt
- Hindi meaning
- अर्पण के बाद ग्रहण करने वाले दोषों से मुक्त होते हैं; केवल अपने लिए पकाने वाले पाप भोगते हैं।
- English meaning
- Those who partake after offering are freed from wrongdoing; those who consume only for themselves partake of wrongdoing.
- Explanation
- Sharing and offering sanctify daily sustenance.
Verse 3.14 Krishna
अन्नाद्भवन्ति भूतानि पर्जन्यादन्नसम्भवः। यज्ञाद्भवति पर्जन्यो यज्ञः कर्मसमुद्भवः॥१४॥
annād bhavanti bhūtāni parjanyād annasambhavaḥ yajñād bhavati parjanyo yajñaḥ karmasamudbhavaḥ
- Hindi meaning
- प्राणी अन्न से, अन्न वर्षा से, वर्षा यज्ञ से और यज्ञ कर्म से सम्बद्ध है।
- English meaning
- Beings depend on food, food on rain, rain on sacrifice, and sacrifice on action.
- Explanation
- The verse presents a cycle sustaining life.
Verse 3.15 Krishna
कर्म ब्रह्मोद्भवं विद्धि ब्रह्माक्षरसमुद्भवम्। तस्मात्सर्वगतं ब्रह्म नित्यं यज्ञे प्रतिष्ठितम्॥१५॥
karma brahmodbhavaṃ viddhi brahmākṣarasamudbhavam tasmāt sarvagataṃ brahma nityaṃ yajñe pratiṣṭhitam
- Hindi meaning
- कर्म वेद-विधान से और वेद अविनाशी तत्त्व से उत्पन्न हैं; इसलिए सर्वव्यापक ब्रह्म यज्ञ में प्रतिष्ठित है।
- English meaning
- Action arises from sacred knowledge, which arises from the Imperishable; the all-pervading Absolute is present in sacrifice.
- Explanation
- Righteous action belongs to a sacred order.
Verse 3.16 Krishna
एवं प्रवर्तितं चक्रं नानुवर्तयतीह यः। अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति॥१६॥
evaṃ pravartitaṃ cakraṃ nānuvartayatīha yaḥ aghāyur indriyārāmo moghaṃ pārtha sa jīvati
- Hindi meaning
- जो इस चक्र में योगदान नहीं देता और केवल इन्द्रिय-सुख में लगा रहता है, उसका जीवन व्यर्थ है।
- English meaning
- One who ignores this sustaining cycle and lives only for the senses lives in vain.
- Explanation
- Meaningful life contributes to the whole.
Verse 3.17 Krishna
यस्त्वात्मरतिरेव स्यादात्मतृप्तश्च मानवः। आत्मन्येव च सन्तुष्टस्तस्य कार्यं न विद्यते॥१७॥
yas tv ātmaratir eva syād ātmatṛptaś ca mānavaḥ ātmany eva ca santuṣṭas tasya kāryaṃ na vidyate
- Hindi meaning
- जो आत्मा में आनन्दित और तृप्त है, उसके लिए स्वार्थ-साधन हेतु कोई कर्म शेष नहीं रहता।
- English meaning
- One who delights in and is fulfilled by the Self has no personal task to perform for gain.
- Explanation
- Inner fulfilment loosens dependence on rewards.
Verse 3.18 Krishna
नैव तस्य कृतेनार्थो नाकृतेनेह कश्चन। न चास्य सर्वभूतेषु कश्चिदर्थव्यपाश्रयः॥१८॥
naiva tasya kṛtenārtho nākṛteneha kaścana na cāsya sarvabhūteṣu kaścid arthavyapāśrayaḥ
- Hindi meaning
- उसे कर्म या अकर्म से निजी लाभ नहीं; वह किसी पर स्वार्थ के लिए निर्भर नहीं रहता।
- English meaning
- Such a person has no selfish gain from action or inaction and depends on no one for personal advantage.
- Explanation
- Freedom from need changes one's relationship with action.
Verse 3.19 Krishna
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर। असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः॥१९॥
tasmād asaktaḥ satataṃ kāryaṃ karma samācara asakto hy ācaran karma param āpnoti pūruṣaḥ
- Hindi meaning
- इसलिए आसक्ति रहित होकर कर्तव्य करो; ऐसा कर्म परम अवस्था तक ले जाता है।
- English meaning
- Therefore perform necessary work without attachment; such action leads to the highest state.
- Explanation
- Selfless action is the chapter's central practice.
Verse 3.20 Krishna
कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः। लोकसंग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि॥२०॥
karmaṇaiva hi saṃsiddhim āsthitā janakādayaḥ lokasaṃgraham evāpi sampaśyan kartum arhasi
- Hindi meaning
- जनक आदि ने कर्म से सिद्धि पाई; लोककल्याण के लिए भी तुम्हें कर्म करना चाहिए।
- English meaning
- Janaka and others attained perfection through action; act also for the welfare of the world.
- Explanation
- Action can serve both growth and public good.
Verse 3.21 Krishna
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः। स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते॥२१॥
yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ sa yat pramāṇaṃ kurute lokas tad anuvartate
- Hindi meaning
- श्रेष्ठ व्यक्ति का आचरण दूसरे लोग अपनाते हैं; उसका मानक संसार अनुसरण करता है।
- English meaning
- Others follow the conduct of respected people and the standards they establish.
- Explanation
- Leadership carries responsibility.
Verse 3.22 Krishna
न मे पार्थास्ति कर्तव्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु किञ्चन। नानवाप्तमवाप्तव्यं वर्त एव च कर्मणि॥२२॥
na me pārthāsti kartavyaṃ triṣu lokeṣu kiñcana nānavāptam avāptavyaṃ varta eva ca karmaṇi
- Hindi meaning
- मुझे कुछ प्राप्त करना शेष नहीं, फिर भी मैं कर्म में लगा रहता हूँ।
- English meaning
- I have no duty or unmet need in the three worlds, yet I continue to act.
- Explanation
- Action need not be driven by personal gain.
Verse 3.23 Krishna
यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रितः। मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः॥२३॥
yadi hy ahaṃ na varteyaṃ jātu karmaṇy atandritaḥ mama vartmānuvartante manuṣyāḥ pārtha sarvaśaḥ
- Hindi meaning
- यदि मैं सावधानी से कर्म न करूँ, तो लोग मेरे मार्ग का अनुसरण करेंगे।
- English meaning
- If I did not act diligently, people would follow my example, Arjuna.
- Explanation
- Exemplary action guides others.
Verse 3.24 Krishna
उत्सीदेयुरिमे लोका न कुर्यां कर्म चेदहम्। सङ्करस्य च कर्ता स्यामुपहन्यामिमाः प्रजाः॥२४॥
utsīdeyur ime lokā na kuryāṃ karma ced aham saṃkarasya ca kartā syām upahanyām imāḥ prajāḥ
- Hindi meaning
- यदि मैं कर्म न करूँ, तो लोकों में अव्यवस्था और प्राणियों की हानि होगी।
- English meaning
- The worlds would fall into disorder if I did not act, harming their inhabitants.
- Explanation
- Responsible action protects social order.
Verse 3.25 Krishna
सक्ताः कर्मण्यविद्वांसो यथा कुर्वन्ति भारत। कुर्याद्विद्वांस्तथासक्तश्चिकीर्षुर्लोकसंग्रहम्॥२५॥
saktāḥ karmaṇy avidvāṃso yathā kurvanti bhārata kuryād vidvāṃs tathāsaktaś cikīrṣur lokasaṃgraham
- Hindi meaning
- अज्ञानी आसक्ति से कर्म करते हैं; ज्ञानी को लोककल्याण के लिए अनासक्त होकर कर्म करना चाहिए।
- English meaning
- The wise should act without attachment for the welfare of the world, as the unwise act with attachment.
- Explanation
- Wisdom changes motive, not the need for constructive work.
Verse 3.26 Krishna
न बुद्धिभेदं जनयेदज्ञानां कर्मसङ्गिनाम्। जोषयेत्सर्वकर्माणि विद्वान्युक्तः समाचरन्॥२६॥
na buddhibhedaṃ janayed ajñānāṃ karmasaṅginām joṣayet sarvakarmāṇi vidvān yuktaḥ samācaran
- Hindi meaning
- ज्ञानी कर्म में आसक्त लोगों को भ्रमित न करे; स्वयं उचित कर्म करके उन्हें प्रेरित करे।
- English meaning
- The wise should not unsettle those attached to action, but encourage them through their own example.
- Explanation
- Guide others patiently and constructively.
Verse 3.27 Krishna
प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः। अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते॥२७॥
prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ ahaṅkāravimūḍhātmā kartāham iti manyate
- Hindi meaning
- प्रकृति के गुण कर्म करते हैं; अहंकार से मोहित व्यक्ति स्वयं को ही कर्ता मानता है।
- English meaning
- Nature's qualities perform actions, but the ego-deluded person thinks, “I am the doer.”
- Explanation
- Discernment loosens the ego's claim of total control.
Verse 3.28 Krishna
तत्त्ववित्तु महाबाहो गुणकर्मविभागयोः। गुणा गुणेषु वर्तन्त इति मत्वा न सज्जते॥२८॥
tattvavit tu mahābāho guṇakarmavibhāgayoḥ guṇā guṇeṣu vartanta iti matvā na sajjate
- Hindi meaning
- तत्त्वज्ञ जानता है कि गुण ही गुणों के विषयों में प्रवृत्त हैं, इसलिए आसक्त नहीं होता।
- English meaning
- The knower understands that qualities interact with qualities and therefore remains unattached.
- Explanation
- Understanding nature's processes reduces possessiveness.
Verse 3.29 Krishna
प्रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढाः सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु। तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान्कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत्॥२९॥
prakṛter guṇasaṃmūḍhāḥ sajjante guṇakarmasu tān akṛtsnavido mandān kṛtsnavin na vicālayet
- Hindi meaning
- गुणों से मोहित लोग कर्मों में आसक्त रहते हैं; ज्ञानी उन्हें कठोरता से विचलित न करे।
- English meaning
- Those confused by nature's qualities become attached; the wise should not unsettle them harshly.
- Explanation
- Knowledge should be expressed with patience.
Verse 3.30 Krishna
मयि सर्वाणि कर्माणि संन्यस्याध्यात्मचेतसा। निराशीर्निर्ममो भूत्वा युध्यस्व विगतज्वरः॥३०॥
mayi sarvāṇi karmāṇi saṃnyasyādhyātmacetasā nirāśīr nirmamo bhūtvā yudhyasva vigatajvaraḥ
- Hindi meaning
- सभी कर्म मुझे अर्पित कर, फल-आशा और ममता छोड़कर, व्याकुलता रहित होकर अपना कर्तव्य करो।
- English meaning
- Dedicate all actions to Me; free from expectation and possessiveness, act without inner agitation.
- Explanation
- Devotion and detachment bring clarity to duty.
Verse 3.31 Krishna
ये मे मतमिदं नित्यमनुतिष्ठन्ति मानवाः। श्रद्धावन्तोऽनसूयन्तो मुच्यन्ते तेऽपि कर्मभिः॥३१॥
ye me matam idaṃ nityam anutiṣṭhanti mānavāḥ śraddhāvanto 'nasūyanto mucyante te 'pi karmabhiḥ
- Hindi meaning
- जो श्रद्धा से इस शिक्षा का पालन करते हैं, वे कर्मबंधन से मुक्त होते हैं।
- English meaning
- Those who faithfully follow this teaching without resentment are freed from binding action.
- Explanation
- Steady practice loosens bondage.
Verse 3.32 Krishna
ये त्वेतदभ्यसूयन्तो नानुतिष्ठन्ति मे मतम्। सर्वज्ञानविमूढांस्तान्विद्धि नष्टानचेतसः॥३२॥
ye tv etad abhyasūyanto nānutiṣṭhanti me matam sarvajñānavimūḍhāṃs tān viddhi naṣṭān acetasaḥ
- Hindi meaning
- जो दोष-दृष्टि से इस शिक्षा का पालन नहीं करते, वे विवेक से भटकते हैं।
- English meaning
- Those who reject the teaching resentfully become confused and lose their way.
- Explanation
- Resentment can obstruct learning.
Verse 3.33 Krishna
सदृशं चेष्टते स्वस्याः प्रकृतेर्ज्ञानवानपि। प्रकृतिं यान्ति भूतानि निग्रहः किं करिष्यति॥३३॥
sadṛśaṃ ceṣṭate svasyāḥ prakṛter jñānavān api prakṛtiṃ yānti bhūtāni nigrahaḥ kiṃ kariṣyati
- Hindi meaning
- ज्ञानी भी अपनी प्रकृति के अनुसार प्रवृत्त होता है; केवल दमन क्या कर सकता है?
- English meaning
- Even the knowledgeable act according to their nature; what can mere suppression accomplish?
- Explanation
- Sustainable change requires understanding.
Verse 3.34 Krishna
इन्द्रियस्येन्द्रियस्यार्थे रागद्वेषौ व्यवस्थितौ। तयोर्न वशमागच्छेत्तौ ह्यस्य परिपन्थिनौ॥३४॥
indriyasyendriyasyārthe rāgadveṣau vyavasthitau tayor na vaśam āgacchet tau hy asya paripanthinau
- Hindi meaning
- इन्द्रियों के विषयों में आकर्षण और द्वेष रहते हैं; उनके वश में न हों, क्योंकि वे बाधक हैं।
- English meaning
- Attraction and aversion arise around sense objects; do not submit to them, for they obstruct the path.
- Explanation
- Notice preferences without being ruled by them.
Verse 3.35 Krishna
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्। स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥३५॥
śreyān svadharmo viguṇaḥ paradharmāt svanuṣṭhitāt svadharme nidhanaṃ śreyaḥ paradharmo bhayāvahaḥ
- Hindi meaning
- अपना कर्तव्य अपूर्ण निभाना भी दूसरे का कर्तव्य अपनाने से श्रेष्ठ है; दूसरे का मार्ग भयावह हो सकता है।
- English meaning
- One's own duty, even imperfectly done, is better than another's well performed; another's path may be perilous.
- Explanation
- The verse calls for discernment about one's genuine responsibilities.
Verse 3.36 Arjuna
अर्जुन उवाच। अथ केन प्रयुक्तोऽयं पापं चरति पूरुषः। अनिच्छन्नपि वार्ष्णेय बलादिव नियोजितः॥३६॥
arjuna uvāca atha kena prayukto 'yaṃ pāpaṃ carati pūruṣaḥ anicchann api vārṣṇeya balād iva niyojitaḥ
- Hindi meaning
- मनुष्य इच्छा न होते हुए भी किसके कारण मानो बलपूर्वक गलत कर्म करता है?
- English meaning
- What impels a person to wrongdoing, even against their wishes, as if by force?
- Explanation
- Arjuna asks what drives people toward harmful action.
Verse 3.37 Krishna
श्रीभगवानुवाच। काम एष क्रोध एष रजोगुणसमुद्भवः। महाशनो महापाप्मा विद्ध्येनमिह वैरिणम्॥३७॥
śrībhagavān uvāca kāma eṣa krodha eṣa rajoguṇasamudbhavaḥ mahāśano mahāpāpmā viddhy enam iha vairiṇam
- Hindi meaning
- कामना, जो रजोगुण से उत्पन्न होकर क्रोध बनती है, अतृप्त और विनाशकारी है; इसे शत्रु जानो।
- English meaning
- It is desire, which becomes anger, born of rajas and insatiable; know it as an enemy.
- Explanation
- Unexamined desire can cloud judgement and become anger.
Verse 3.38 Krishna
धूमेनाव्रियते वह्निर्यथादर्शो मलेन च। यथोल्बेनावृतो गर्भस्तथा तेनेदमावृतम्॥३८॥
dhūmenāvriyate vahnir yathādarśo malena ca yatholbenāvṛto garbhas tathā tenedam āvṛtam
- Hindi meaning
- जैसे अग्नि धुएँ, दर्पण धूल और गर्भ आवरण से ढका है, वैसे ही इच्छा ज्ञान को ढकती है।
- English meaning
- As fire is covered by smoke, a mirror by dust, and an embryo by its covering, knowledge is obscured by desire.
- Explanation
- Desire veils understanding in varying degrees.
Verse 3.39 Krishna
आवृतं ज्ञानमेतेन ज्ञानिनो नित्यवैरिणा। कामरूपेण कौन्तेय दुष्पूरेणानलेन च॥३९॥
āvṛtaṃ jñānam etena jñānino nityavairiṇā kāmarūpeṇa kaunteya duṣpūreṇānalena ca
- Hindi meaning
- हे अर्जुन, अतृप्त अग्नि समान कामना ज्ञान को ढकती है और ज्ञानी की शत्रु बनती है।
- English meaning
- Knowledge is veiled by desire, an insatiable fire and constant enemy of discernment.
- Explanation
- Endless craving obstructs wisdom.
Verse 3.40 Krishna
इन्द्रियाणि मनो बुद्धिरस्याधिष्ठानमुच्यते। एतैर्विमोहयत्येष ज्ञानमावृत्य देहिनम्॥४०॥
indriyāṇi mano buddhir asyādhiṣṭhānam ucyate etair vimohayaty eṣa jñānam āvṛtya dehinam
- Hindi meaning
- इन्द्रियाँ, मन और बुद्धि इसके स्थान हैं; इनके द्वारा इच्छा ज्ञान ढककर मनुष्य को मोहित करती है।
- English meaning
- The senses, mind, and intellect are its dwelling places; through them desire obscures knowledge.
- Explanation
- Self-discipline includes senses, thought, and reasoning.
Verse 3.41 Krishna
तस्मात्त्वमिन्द्रियाण्यादौ नियम्य भरतर्षभ। पाप्मानं प्रजहि ह्येनं ज्ञानविज्ञाननाशनम्॥४१॥
tasmāt tvam indriyāṇy ādau niyamya bharatarṣabha pāpmānaṃ prajahi hy enaṃ jñānavijñānanāśanam
- Hindi meaning
- पहले इन्द्रियों को संयमित करो और ज्ञान-विवेक को नष्ट करने वाली कामना पर विजय पाओ।
- English meaning
- First govern the senses and overcome desire, which destroys knowledge and insight.
- Explanation
- Sense discipline helps protect clear understanding.
Verse 3.42 Krishna
इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः। मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धेः परतस्तु सः॥४२॥
indriyāṇi parāṇy āhur indriyebhyaḥ paraṃ manaḥ manasas tu parā buddhir yo buddheḥ paratas tu saḥ
- Hindi meaning
- इन्द्रियों से मन श्रेष्ठ, मन से बुद्धि श्रेष्ठ और बुद्धि से परे आत्मा है।
- English meaning
- The mind is higher than the senses, intellect higher than mind, and the Self higher than intellect.
- Explanation
- The verse presents a hierarchy culminating in the Self.
Verse 3.43 Krishna
एवं बुद्धेः परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना। जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम्॥४३॥
evaṃ buddheḥ paraṃ buddhvā saṃstabhyātmānam ātmanā jahi śatruṃ mahābāho kāmarūpaṃ durāsadam
- Hindi meaning
- आत्मा को बुद्धि से परे जानकर और स्वयं को स्थिर करके, कामना रूपी दुर्जेय शत्रु को जीतो।
- English meaning
- Knowing the Self beyond the intellect and steadying yourself, conquer the formidable enemy of desire.
- Explanation
- The chapter closes by urging self-knowledge and mastery of desire.
Concluding summary
Karma Yoga teaches that spiritual growth does not require simply withdrawing from action. Instead, one should perform necessary duties with discipline, without selfish attachment to their results, and with concern for the welfare of others.
The chapter also explains how desire and anger can obscure discernment. By regulating the senses, understanding the mind, and cultivating self-knowledge, a person can act more wisely and responsibly.
Reflections for daily life
- How can you perform today's responsibilities sincerely without becoming consumed by their outcomes?
- Which of your actions could be offered in service of something greater than personal gain?
- How does your conduct influence the people who look to you as an example?
- When desire or anger arises, what can help you pause and respond with discernment?
- What does fulfilling your own responsibilities wisely mean in your present circumstances?