CHAPTER- III - KARMA YOGA

CHAPTER- III

KARMA YOGA

In a specific question, Arjuna asks Krishna the yoga of knowledge is superior to action and if so, why he asks him to go into action.

The performance of prescribed duties is obligatory for everyone.

Here Lord Krishna categorically and comprehensively explains how it is the duty of each member of society to carry out their functions and responsibilities in their respective stage of life according to the rules and regulations of the society in which one lives. Further the Lord explains why such duties must be performed, what benefit is gained by performing them, what harm is caused by not performing them. In addition, what actions lead to bondage and what actions lead to salvation?

In this world, I have recommended two courses of Sadhana in the past. In the case of Sankhayoga the Sadhana proceeds along the path of knowledge; where as karma yoga it proceeds along the path of Action (3-3)


Surely, no one can ever remain inactive even for a moment; for every one is helplessly driven to action by nature-born qualities. (3-5)

He who outwardly restraining the organs of sense and action, sits mentally dwelling on the objects of senses – that man of deluded intellect is called a hypocrite. (3- 6)

On the other hand, he who controlling the organs of sense and action by his power of his will, and remaining unattached, undertakes the yoga of Action through those organs- he is the Superior and deserves for salvation. (3- 7)

Therefore, you perform your allotted duty – for action is superior to inaction. Desisting from action- you cannot even maintain your body (3 -8)

Having created Mankind with the spirit of sacrifice at the beginning of creation- The creator Brahma said: you shall prosper by this; May this yield the enjoyment you seek. (3- 10)

Foster the gods through sacrifice and let the gods be gracious to you. Each fostering other disinterestedly, you will attain he highest good. (3- 11)

Fostered by sacrifice, the gods will surely bestow on you unasked all the desired enjoyments. Who enjoys the gifts bestowed by them, without giving them in return is undoubtedly a thief (3- 12)

The Virtuous who partake of what is left over after sacrifice are absolved of all sins. Those sinful ones who cook for the sake of nourishing their body alone eat only sin (3- 13)

All beings are evolved from food- production of food is dependent on rain – rain ensures from sacrifice – and sacrifice is rooted in prescribed action. Know that prescribed action has its origin in the Vedas and the Vedas proceed from the Indestructible GOD –Hence the all-pervading Infinite is always present in sacrifice. (3-14, 15)

Arjuna – he who does not follow the wheel of creation thus set going in this world (does not perform his duties) is discarded as sinner and his life will be a waste (3- 16)

Therefore, go on efficiently doing your duty without attachment. Doing work without attachment leads you to GOD. (3- 19)

Whatever a great man does, that very thing all others do- whatever standards he sets up – other men follow the same. (3- 21)

Should I not engage in action at any time- the world will stop and I will be the cause of confusion and destruction? All actions are being performed by the modes of Prakruthi- but the fool who thinks that it is because of him. His mind is deluded by egoism.

He who has true insight into the respective spheres of Gunas and actions, holding that it is the gunas in the shape of mind and senses that move among the objects of perception does not get attached to them

The man of perfect knowledge should not unsettle the mind of those insufficiently knowing fools.

Therefore dedicating all actions to Me with your mind fixed on Me, the self of all, freed from hope and the feeling of mecum and cured of mental fever fight.

Attraction and repulsion are rooted in all sense objects. Man should never allow himself swayed by them, because they are the two principal enemies standing in the way of reaching near to God.

One’s own duty, though devoid of merit is prefererable to the duty of other well performed. Even death in the performance of ones own duty bring blessedness.

As a flame is covered by smoke, mirror by dirt and embryo by the amnion- so is Knowledge covered by desire.

Knowledge stands covered by this eternal enemy of the wise – known as desire, which is insatiable like a fire

The senses, the mind and the intellect are its seat –screening the light of truth through these - the desire deludes the embodied soul.

You must first control the senses and kill this evil thing, which obstructs Jnana (knowledge of the absolute and Vijnana)

Senses are said to be greater than the body- greater than the senses is the mind- Greater than the mind is intellect and greater than the intellect is they Self (3- 27 -43)

Thus lord Krishna place before Arjuna the importance of Action. Through this, he conveys to humanity that they should do things without attachment and leave the result to God

R.Jagannathan.


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