BG 3.21
Whatever a great person does, others follow and imitate, conforming to the standard they have set.
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते
-
yad — whichever
-
yad — whichever
-
ācharati — does
-
śhreṣhṭhas — the best
-
tat — that
-
tad — that
-
evetaro — common indeed
eva—certainly; itaraḥ—common; -
janaḥ — people
-
sa — they
-
yat — whichever
-
pramāṇaṁ — standard
-
kurute — perform
-
lokas — world
-
tad — that
-
anuvartate — pursues
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. For them, there is nothing to gain from action or inaction. Their welfare does not depend on the contribution of mortal creatures. Therefore, without attachment, perform the work that is your duty, for one who does their duty without attachment attains perfection. King Janaka and others reached perfection through action alone. Even for the sake of enlightening the world, you must act. Whatever a great person does, others follow and imitate, conforming to the standard they have set.
Similar verses
-
It is better to do one's own duty, however defective it may be, than to follow the duty of another, however well one may perform it. One who does the duty ordained by their own nature incurs no sin.
- Verse 18.47
-
If I did not diligently engage in action, people would be inclined to do the same.
- Verse 3.23
-
Even a wise person acts in accordance with their nature. Nature compels the behavior of all living beings. What will restraint accomplish?
- Verse 3.33
-
Perform your obligatory actions, for action is superior to inaction. For a person following inaction, even the sustenance of the body is impossible.
- Verse 3.8
-
Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever charity you perform, whatever austerity you practice - do all these as an offering to me.
- Verse 9.27