3. Selfless Service

Karm Yog

BG 3.23

If I did not diligently engage in action, people would be inclined to do the same.

यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रितः
मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः

  • yadi — if

  • hyahaṁ — I indeed

    • hi — certainly

    • aham — I

  • na — not

  • varteyaṁ — thus engage

  • jātu — ever

  • karmaṇyatandritaḥ — carefully in the performance of action

    • karmaṇi — in the performance of prescribed duties

    • atandritaḥ — carefully

  • mama — my

  • vartmānuvartante — follow path

    • vartma — path

    • anuvartante — follow

  • manuṣhyāḥ — all men

  • pārtha — Arjuna

  • sarvaśhaḥ — in all respects

...3.21

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.

[22]

If I did not diligently engage in action, people would be inclined to do the same.

[23]

If I were to refrain from action entirely, mankind would be ruined. I would lead the world to chaos and destruction.

[24]

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.

[25]

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.

[26]

3.27...

Similar verses

Chapter 3, Verse 23