BG 3.9
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.
तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसंगः समाचर
-
yajñārthāt — for the sake of sacrifice
yajña-arthāt—for the sake of sacrifice -
karmaṇo — than action
karmaṇaḥ—than action -
’nyatra — else
anyatra—else -
loko — material world
-
’yaṁ — this
ayam -
karma-bandhanaḥ — bondage of action
-
karma
-
bandhanaḥ
-
-
tad-arthaṁ — for the sake of that
tat—that; artham—for the sake of-
tad
-
arthaṁ
-
-
karma — action
-
kaunteya — Arjuna
-
mukta-saṅgaḥ — free from attachment
-
mukta
-
saṅgaḥ
-
-
samāchara — perform properly
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. One cannot be free from action by simply abstaining from any actions, nor can one achieve perfection by renunciation alone. No one can remain even a moment without performing some action, for everyone is helpless to the compulsions of their inner nature. A person who restrains the organs of action, but continues indulging in memories of sense objects, is delusional and a hypocrite. A person who can control the senses with their mind, and always acts without attachment, is bound to excel. Perform your obligatory actions, for action is superior to inaction. For a person following inaction, even the sustenance of the body is impossible. 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.
Similar verses
-
Therefore, without attachment, perform the work that is your duty, for one who does their duty without attachment attains perfection.
- Verse 3.19
-
An action is pure when it is performed without attachment, free from desire or aversion, by one who does not seek the result of performing it.
- Verse 18.23
-
One who is without attachment has been liberated. Their mind has become established in knowledge, and they work only for the sake of sacrifice, leaving no residue of Karma.
- Verse 4.23
-
You shall be free from bondage to the fruit of your actions, thus liberating yourself from bondage to action, and freeing yourself to come to me.
- Verse 9.28
-
Krishna said: One who acts out of duty, without depending on the fruit of their actions, is truly renounced and a knower of Yoga - not one who merely shuns all action.
- Verse 6.1