Verse 1
Arjuna said: If wisdom is superior to action, why do you urge me to engage in such terrible action, Krishna?
BG 3.1 - 43
Verse 2
Your ambiguous words have confused my understanding. Please tell me which course of action one may use to achieve the highest good.
Verse 3
Krishna replied: In this world, there are two paths one might take - a path of knowledge for those inclined toward contemplation, and a path of Yoga for those inclined toward action.
Verse 4
One cannot be free from action by simply abstaining from any actions, nor can one achieve perfection by renunciation alone.
Verse 5
No one can remain even a moment without performing some action, for everyone is helpless to the compulsions of their inner nature.
Verse 6
A person who restrains the organs of action, but continues indulging in memories of sense objects, is delusional and a hypocrite.
Verse 7
A person who can control the senses with their mind, and always acts without attachment, is bound to excel.
Verse 8
Perform your obligatory actions, for action is superior to inaction. For a person following inaction, even the sustenance of the body is impossible.
Verse 9
This world is held in the bondage of actions that were not performed for the sake of sacrifice. Therefore, Arjuna, free yourself from attachment and perform work for this purpose alone.
Verse 10
In the beginning, God created all beings in a holy sacrifice, and said to them: "By this, you shall prosper, and all your wishes will be granted".
Verse 11
Nourish the gods with sacrifice, and they will support you in return. In supporting each other, you shall attain the highest prosperity.
Verse 12
Nourished by sacrifice, nature will provide all you desire. One who enjoys the bounty of the gods without offering anything in return is a common thief.
Verse 13
The righteous, who eat what remains after sacrifice, are freed from all sin. Those who cook only for themselves feed only upon sin.
Verse 14
All beings are nourished by food, and all food is produced by rain. Rain is brought forth by sacrifice - the ritual of performing one's duties.
Verse 15
All action originates from Brahma, the imperishable supreme spirit, who is present in all sacrificial actions.
Verse 16
One who does not help turn the revolving wheel of sacrifice, but instead lives a sinful life of sensual gratification, is breathing in vain.
Verse 17
For the one whose only delight is in the self, is satisfied within the self, and is content in the self alone, nothing remains to be accomplished.
Verse 18
For them, there is nothing to gain from action or inaction. Their welfare does not depend on the contribution of mortal creatures.
Verse 19
Therefore, without attachment, perform the work that is your duty, for one who does their duty without attachment attains perfection.
Verse 20
King Janaka and others reached perfection through action alone. Even for the sake of enlightening the world, you must act.
Verse 21
Whatever a great person does, others follow and imitate, conforming to the standard they have set.
Verse 22
There is nothing in the universe that I am compelled to do, nor is there anything yet to be attained, yet I remain persistently active.
Verse 23
If I did not diligently engage in action, people would be inclined to do the same.
Verse 24
If I were to refrain from action entirely, mankind would be ruined. I would lead the world to chaos and destruction.
Verse 25
Just as the ignorant act out of fondness for action, so too should the wise act without attachment, fixing their eyes upon the welfare of the world.
Verse 26
Those who are wise do not disturb the understanding of those attached to their actions due to ignorance. They perform work with devotion, and inspire others to do the same.
Verse 27
Action is the product of qualities inherent in nature. It is only the egotistical and deluded one who thinks "I am the sole doer".
Verse 28
The person who understands the true nature of the Gunas and Karma, recognizes that the senses merely interact with the sense objects, and thus remains unattached.
Verse 29
Those who do not understand the qualities of Guna and Prakrti are attached to their actions. However, the wise ones who know the truth should not disturb the minds of those who do not.
Verse 30
Surrender your actions to me, keep your mind centered on the self, free yourself from desire and selfishness, quieten the mind, and engage in battle.
Verse 31
Those who constantly follow this doctrine of mine, firm in faith and determination, are freed from the bondage of action.
Verse 32
But those who ridicule my teachings and refuse to practice it are ignorant, blind, and doomed to destruction.
Verse 33
Even a wise person acts in accordance with their nature. Nature compels the behavior of all living beings. What will restraint accomplish?
Verse 34
Craving and aversion for objects of the senses abide within the senses. These are your enemies - do not succumb to their control.
Verse 35
It is better to do one's own duty poorly than to do well in the duty of another. It is better to die performing one's own duty, for the duty of another is fraught with danger.
Verse 36
Arjuna asked: What is it that drives a person to sin, even against their own will and as if by compulsion?
Verse 37
Krishna said: It is desire and it is anger, born of passion. It consumes and corrupts all things. Know this to be the enemy here.
Verse 38
As fire is shrouded in smoke, a mirror covered by dust, and a fetus enveloped by the womb, so too is the universe enveloped by desire.
Verse 39
Wisdom is concealed by desire - it is the enemy of the wise, insatiable like fire.
Verse 40
The senses, mind, and intellect are its instruments, by which it deludes the soul and conceals its wisdom.
Verse 41
Therefore, first control your senses and then slay this sinful thing which destroys knowledge and insight.
Verse 42
It is said that the senses are powerful, but beyond the senses is the mind. Beyond the mind is the intellect, and beyond the intellect is the supreme self.
Verse 43
Thus, knowing that which is higher than the intellect, and restraining the mind in Karma Yoga, slay this enemy who takes the form of desire - one who is difficult to overcome.
Next chapter
4. Philosophy of Action
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog