BG 3.24
If I were to refrain from action entirely, mankind would be ruined. I would lead the world to chaos and destruction.
सङ्करस्य च कर्ता स्यामुपहन्यामिमाः प्रजाः
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utsīdeyur — would perish
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ime — all these
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lokā — worlds
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na — not
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kuryāṁ — I perform
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karma — prescribed actions
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ched — if
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aham — I
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sankarasya — of uncultured population
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cha — and
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kartā — responsible
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syām — would be
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upahanyām — would destroy
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imāḥ — all these
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prajāḥ — living entities
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. If I did not diligently engage in action, people would be inclined to do the same. If I were to refrain from action entirely, mankind would be ruined. I would lead the world to chaos and destruction. 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. 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.
Similar verses
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If I did not diligently engage in action, people would be inclined to do the same.
- Verse 3.23
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One cannot be free from action by simply abstaining from any actions, nor can one achieve perfection by renunciation alone.
- Verse 3.4
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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