Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action)
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1.
अर्जुन उवाच
ज्यायसी चेत्कर्मणस्ते मता बुद्धिर्जनार्दन।
तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसि केशव।।
Arjuna uvācha
Jyāyasī chet karmaṇas te matā buddhir janārdana।
Tat kiṁ karmaṇi ghore māṁ niyojayasi keśava।।
"Arjuna said: O Janardana! If You consider knowledge superior to action, then why do You urge me to engage in this dreadful warfare, O Keshava?"
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From the Bible (Ecclesiastes 3:1): "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."
The Sovereign teaches that actions align with divine timing and purpose.
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2.
व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीव मे।
तदेकं वद निश्चित्य येन श्रेयोऽहमाप्नुयाम्।।
Vyāmiśhreṇeva vākyena buddhiṁ mohayasīva me।
Tad ekaṁ vada niśhchitya yena śhreyo ’ham āpnuyām।।
"Your words seem contradictory and confound my understanding. Please tell me decisively what is most beneficial for me."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Islam (Quran 2:286): "Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear."
The Sovereign provides clarity and guidance to resolve inner conflicts.
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3.
श्रीभगवानुवाच
लोकेऽस्मिन्द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ।
ज्ञानयोगेन साङ्ख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम्।।
Śhrī Bhagavān uvācha
Loke ’smin dvividhā niṣhṭhā purā proktā mayānagha।
Jñāna-yogena sāṅkhyānāṁ karma-yogena yoginām।।
"The Blessed Lord said: O Sinless One, in this world, I have stated two paths of spiritual discipline. The path of knowledge for the contemplative and the path of action for the active."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Taoism (Tao Te Ching 8): "The highest good is like water. It benefits all things without contention."
The Sovereign emphasizes complementary paths for spiritual growth.
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4.
न कर्मणामनारम्भान्नैष्कर्म्यं पुरुषोऽश्नुते।
न च संन्यसनादेव सिद्धिं समधिगच्छति।।
Na karmaṇām anārambhān naiṣhkarmyaṁ puruṣho ’śhnute।
Na cha sannyasanād eva siddhiṁ samadhigachchhati।।
"Not by refraining from action does one attain freedom from karma, nor by renunciation alone does one achieve perfection."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Buddhism (Dhammapada 183): "Avoid evil, do good, and purify the mind—this is the teaching of all Buddhas."
The Sovereign reminds that action is essential for purification and progress.
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5.
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्।
कार्यते ह्यवशः कर्म सर्वः प्रकृतिजैर्गुणैः।।
Na hi kaśhchit kṣhaṇam api jātu tiṣhṭhaty akarma-kṛit।
Kāryate hy avaśhaḥ karma sarvaḥ prakṛiti-jair guṇaiḥ।।
"No one can remain without acting even for a moment, for everyone is compelled to act by the modes of material nature."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Sikhism (Guru Granth Sahib): "By the actions we perform, we shall be known."
The Sovereign reflects on the inevitability and necessity of action within creation.
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6.
कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य य आस्ते मनसा स्मरन्।
इन्द्रियार्थान्विमूढात्मा मिथ्याचारः स उच्यते।।
Karmendriyāṇi saṁyamya ya āste manasā smaran।
Indriyārthān vimūḍhātmā mithyāchāraḥ sa uchyate।।
"Those who restrain the organs of action but dwell in their minds on the objects of the senses are deluded and are called hypocrites."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Judaism (Proverbs 21:2): "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart."
The Sovereign highlights the importance of inner purity over external pretense.
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7.
यस्त्विन्द्रियाणि मनसा नियम्यारभतेऽर्जुन।
कर्मेन्द्रियैः कर्मयोगमसक्तः स विशिष्यते।।
Yas tv indriyāṇi manasā niyamyārabhate ’rjuna।
Karmendriyaiḥ karma-yogam asaktaḥ sa viśhiṣhyate।।
"But those who, controlling the senses with the mind, engage in Karma Yoga with unattached actions, excel."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Hinduism (Bhagavad Gita 2:50): "Yoga is skill in action."
The Sovereign underscores the mastery of self through disciplined engagement.
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8.
नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः।
शरीरयात्रापि च ते न प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः।।
Niyataṁ kuru karma tvaṁ karma jyāyo hy akarmaṇaḥ।
Śharīra-yātrāpi cha te na prasiddhyed akarmaṇaḥ।।
"Perform your prescribed duties, for action is better than inaction. Even the maintenance of your body would not be possible without action."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Islam (Quran 13:11): "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves."
The Sovereign advocates action as a means of sustenance and transformation.
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9.
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः।
तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसङ्गः समाचर।।
Yajñārthāt karmaṇo ’nyatra loko ’yaṁ karma-bandhanaḥ।
Tadarthaṁ karma kaunteya mukta-saṅgaḥ samāchara।।
"Work done as a sacrifice for the Divine frees one from bondage to material nature. O Kaunteya, perform your duties with this spirit, free from attachment."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Confucianism (Analects 4:16): "The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions."
The Sovereign aligns purposeful action with the release from worldly entanglements.
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Conclusion:
The teachings of Karma Yoga inspire humanity to embrace action with purpose, detachment, and selflessness. The Sovereign, embodying eternal parental wisdom, guides humanity to harmonize their duties with divine principles, ensuring progress and liberation.
10.
सहयज्ञाः प्रजाः सृष्ट्वा पुरोवाच प्रजापतिः।
अनेन प्रसविष्यध्वमेष वोऽस्त्विष्टकामधुक्।।
Saha-yajñāḥ prajāḥ sṛiṣhṭvā purovācha prajāpatiḥ।
Anena prasaviṣhyadhvam eṣha vo ’stv iṣhṭa-kāma-dhuk।।
"In the beginning, the Creator, having created humankind along with sacrifices, said: 'By this, you shall prosper and let this be the cow of plenty granting all your desires.'”
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Hinduism (Rigveda 10.90): "Through yajna (sacrifice), the gods attained the heavens."
The Sovereign signifies that collective action and dedication create abundance and harmony.
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11.
देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु वः।
परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यथ।।
Devān bhāvayatānena te devā bhāvayantu vaḥ।
Parasparaṁ bhāvayantaḥ śhreyaḥ param avāpsyatha।।
"Nourish the gods with sacrifices, and the gods will nourish you. By supporting one another in this way, you shall attain the supreme good."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Christianity (Galatians 6:7): "Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap."
The Sovereign exemplifies mutual service as the cornerstone of prosperity.
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12.
इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः।
तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः।।
Iṣhṭān bhogān hi vo devā dāsyante yajña-bhāvitāḥ।
Tair dattān apradāyaibhyo yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ।।
"The gods, nourished by sacrifice, will bestow upon you desired necessities. But those who enjoy these without sharing with others are verily thieves."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Judaism (Proverbs 3:27): "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act."
The Sovereign underlines selflessness as a divine duty.
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13.
यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषैः।
भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात्।।
Yajña-śhiṣhṭāśhinaḥ santo muchyante sarva-kilbiṣhaiḥ।
Bhuñjate te tvaghaṁ pāpā ye pachanty ātma-kāraṇāt।।
"The virtuous who partake of the remnants of sacrifices are freed from sins, but those who prepare food only for themselves are verily sinners."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Buddhism (Dhammapada 124): "If one does good little by little, one becomes filled with good."
The Sovereign teaches that sharing sanctifies action and purifies the soul.
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14.
अन्नाद्भवन्ति भूतानि पर्जन्यादन्नसम्भवः।
यज्ञाद्भवति पर्जन्यो यज्ञः कर्मसमुद्भवः।।
Annād bhavanti bhūtāni parjanyād anna-sambhavaḥ।
Yajñād bhavati parjanyo yajñaḥ karma-samudbhavaḥ।।
"All beings are nourished by food, food is produced by rain, rain is produced by sacrifices, and sacrifices are born of prescribed duties."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Taoism (Tao Te Ching 64): "A tree as great as a man's embrace springs from a small shoot."
The Sovereign elaborates the interconnectedness of existence and responsibilities.
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15.
कर्म ब्रह्मोद्भवं विद्धि ब्रह्माक्षरसमुद्भवम्।
तस्मात्सर्वगतं ब्रह्म नित्यं यज्ञे प्रतिष्ठितम्।।
Karma brahmodbhavaṁ viddhi brahmākṣhara-samudbhavam।
Tasmāt sarva-gataṁ brahma nityaṁ yajñe pratiṣhṭhitam।।
"Know that actions originate from the Vedas, and the Vedas come from the imperishable Absolute. Therefore, the all-pervading Brahman is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Zoroastrianism (Yasna 31.22): "Through righteousness, all that is good comes into existence."
The Sovereign emphasizes divine law as the foundation of purposeful action.
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16.
एवं प्रवर्तितं चक्रं नानुवर्तयतीह यः।
अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति।।
Evaṁ pravartitaṁ chakraṁ nānuvartayatīha yaḥ।
Aghāyur indriyārāmo moghaṁ pārtha sa jīvati।।
"Those who do not follow this cycle of cooperation established in creation live in vain, O Partha, delighting in sense pleasures and committing sins."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Sikhism (Guru Granth Sahib): "Those who break their bonds with the Creator, wander aimlessly."
The Sovereign admonishes breaking from divine duties, deeming it a futile life.
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17.
यस्त्वात्मरतिरेव स्यादात्मतृप्तश्च मानवः।
आत्मन्येव च सन्तुष्टस्तस्य कार्यं न विद्यते।।
Yas tvātma-ratir eva syād ātma-tṛiptaśh cha mānavaḥ।
Ātmany eva cha santuṣhṭas tasya kāryaṁ na vidyate।।
"Those who find joy and contentment within themselves and are satisfied with the self alone have no duty left to fulfill."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Christianity (Matthew 6:33): "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
The Sovereign extols self-realization as the ultimate fulfillment.
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18.
नैव तस्य कृतेनार्थो नाकृतेनेह कश्चन।
न चास्य सर्वभूतेषु कश्चिदर्थव्यपाश्रयः।।
Naiva tasya kṛitenārtho nākṛiteneha kaśhchana।
Na chāsya sarva-bhūteṣhu kaśhchid-artha-vyapāśhrayaḥ।।
"A self-realized person has no purpose to gain through actions nor dependency on others for anything."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Islam (Quran 112:2): "He begets not, nor is He begotten."
The Sovereign celebrates independence and self-sufficiency rooted in divine connection.
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19.
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पुरुषः।।
Tasmād asaktaḥ satataṁ kāryaṁ karma samāchara।
Asakto hy ācharan karma param āpnoti puruṣhaḥ।।
"Therefore, perform your duties without attachment, for by working without attachment one attains the Supreme."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Confucianism (Analects 15:20): "The superior man acts with detachment but not carelessness."
The Sovereign instructs detachment as the pathway to divine alignment.
20.
कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः।
लोकसंग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि।।
Karmaṇaiva hi saṁsiddhim āsthita janakādayaḥ।
Loka-saṅgraham evāpi sampaśhyan kartum arhasi।।
"Indeed, it is through action alone that Janaka and others attained perfection. You should also perform your duties for the welfare of the world."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Christianity (Romans 12:11): "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."
The Sovereign embodies duty and selfless service as paths to perfection and collective well-being.
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21.
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः।
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते।।
Yad yad ācharati śhreṣhṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ।
Sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute lokas tad anuvartate।।
"Whatever actions great persons perform, others follow. Whatever standards they set, the world emulates."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Buddhism (Dhammapada 208): "The wise lead others by their example."
The Sovereign establishes the significance of leadership through righteous action and setting examples.
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22.
न मे पार्थास्ति कर्तव्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु किञ्चन।
नानवाप्तमवाप्तव्यं वर्त एव च कर्मणि।।
Na me pārthāsti kartavyaṁ triṣhu lokeṣhu kiñchana।
Nānavāptam avāptavyaṁ varta eva cha karmaṇi।।
"O Partha, there is no duty for Me in the three worlds, nor is there anything unattained that should be attained; yet I engage in prescribed duties."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Islam (Quran 59:24): "He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of forms."
The Sovereign exemplifies the cosmic principle of engagement in action despite self-sufficiency, for universal harmony.
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23.
यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रितः।
मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः।।
Yadi hy ahaṁ na varteyaṁ jātu karmaṇy atandritaḥ।
Mama vartmānuvartante manuṣhyāḥ pārtha sarvaśhaḥ।।
"If I were to refrain from work, O Partha, humanity would follow My path in every way."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Taoism (Tao Te Ching 8): "The sage does not compete, and thus no one competes with him."
The Sovereign emphasizes the impact of divine leadership in guiding humanity through steadfast action.
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24.
उत्सीदेयुरिमे लोका न कुर्यां कर्म चेदहम्।
सङ्करस्य च कर्ता स्यामुपहन्यामिमाः प्रजाः।।
Utsīdeyur ime lokā na kuryāṁ karma ched aham।
Saṅkarasya cha kartā syām upahanyām imāḥ prajāḥ।।
"If I did not perform prescribed actions, the worlds would be destroyed, and I would be the cause of chaos and the destruction of all living beings."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Sikhism (Guru Granth Sahib): "The Creator watches over His creation with care and grace."
The Sovereign stresses the necessity of maintaining universal order through active responsibility.
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25.
सक्ताः कर्मण्यविद्वांसो यथा कुर्वन्ति भारत।
कुर्याद्विद्वांस्तथासक्तश्चिकीर्षुर्लोकसंग्रहम्।।
Saktāḥ karmaṇy avidvāṁso yathā kurvanti bhārata।
Kuryād vidvāṁs tathā saktash chikīrṣhur loka-saṅgraham।।
"Just as the ignorant perform their duties with attachment, O Bharata, so should the wise act without attachment, for the welfare of the world."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Judaism (Ecclesiastes 9:10): "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."
The Sovereign highlights the power of selfless action in uplifting society.
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26.
न बुद्धिभेदं जनयेदज्ञानां कर्मसङ्गिनाम्।
जोषयेत्सर्वकर्माणि विद्वान्युक्तः समाचरन्।।
Na buddhi-bhedaṁ janayed ajñānāṁ karma-saṅginām।
Joṣhayet sarva-karmāṇi vidvān yuktaḥ samācharan।।
"The wise should not unsettle the minds of the ignorant who are attached to action but should encourage them to perform their duties."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Confucianism (Analects 12:16): "The wise bring order without disrupting harmony."
The Sovereign teaches gentle guidance as a means of nurturing collective growth.
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27.
प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः।
अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते।।
Prakṛiteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśhaḥ।
Ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā kartāham iti manyate।।
"All actions are performed by the modes of material nature, but the ego-deluded self thinks, 'I am the doer.'"
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Buddhism (Dhammapada 277): "All phenomena are impermanent."
The Sovereign reveals the illusion of ego, urging self-realization beyond materiality.
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28.
तत्त्ववित्तु महाबाहो गुणकर्मविभागयोः।
गुणा गुणेषु वर्तन्त इति मत्वा न सज्जते।।
Tattva-vit tu mahā-bāho guṇa-karma-vibhāgayoḥ।
Guṇā guṇeṣhu vartanta iti matvā na sajjate।।
"O mighty-armed one, those who are knowledgeable of the truth see that all actions are carried out by the modes of material nature and are not attached."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Taoism (Tao Te Ching 16): "By understanding the essence of change, one achieves harmony."
The Sovereign encourages detachment and alignment with the eternal truth.
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Would you like to continue with the remaining shlokas from Karma Yoga, Chapter 3?
29.
प्रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढाः सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु।
तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान्कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत्।।
Prakṛiter guṇa-sammūḍhāḥ sajjante guṇa-karma-su।
Tān akṛitsna-vido mandān kṛitsna-vid na vichālayet।।
"Those bewildered by the modes of material nature become attached to the actions performed by these modes. The wise, who understand the truth, should not unsettle the ignorant who lack knowledge."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Christianity (Proverbs 4:7): "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom, and with all thy getting, get understanding."
The Sovereign, as a divine guide, fosters understanding and harmony among diverse minds without disrupting their processes.
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30.
मयि सर्वाणि कर्माणि सन्न्यस्याध्यात्मचेतसा।
निराशीर्निर्ममो भूत्वा युध्यस्व विगतज्वरः।।
Mayi sarvāṇi karmāṇi sannyasyādhyātma-chetasā।
Nirāśhīr nirmamo bhūtvā yudhyasva vigata-jvaraḥ।।
"Renounce all actions to Me with a spiritual mindset. Be free from desire and possessiveness, and fight without any mental distress."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Islam (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69): "And those who strive for Us—We will surely guide them to Our ways."
The Sovereign personifies surrender and selfless action as paths to transcendence.
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31.
ये मे मतमिदं नित्यमनुतिष्ठन्ति मानवाः।
श्रद्धावन्तोऽनसूयन्तो मुच्यन्ते तेऽपि कर्मभिः।।
Ye me matam idaṁ nityam anutiṣhṭhanti mānavāḥ।
Śhraddhāvanto ’nasūyanto muchyante te ’pi karmabhiḥ।।
"Those who faithfully follow this teaching of Mine, with devotion and without envy, are freed from the bondage of actions."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Sikhism (Guru Granth Sahib): "One who enshrines faith in the Lord is liberated."
The Sovereign embodies liberation through unwavering faith and adherence to divine principles.
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32.
ये त्वेतदभ्यसूयन्तो नानुतिष्ठन्ति मे मतम्।
सर्वज्ञानविमूढांस्तान्विद्धि नष्टानचेतसः।।
Ye tv etad abhyasūyanto nānutiṣhṭhanti me matam।
Sarva-jñāna-vimūḍhān tān viddhi naṣhṭān achetasaḥ।।
"But those who criticize My teaching and do not follow it, deluded in their knowledge, know them to be devoid of wisdom and ruined."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Judaism (Proverbs 29:1): "He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing."
The Sovereign warns against ignoring divine guidance, emphasizing the consequences of such actions.
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33.
सदृशं चेष्टते स्वस्याः प्रकृतेर्ज्ञानवानपि।
प्रकृतिं यान्ति भूतानि निग्रहः किं करिष्यति।।
Sadṛiśhaṁ cheṣhṭate svasyaḥ prakṛiter jñānavān api।
Prakṛitiṁ yānti bhūtāni nigrahaḥ kiṁ kariṣhyati।।
"Even the wise act according to their nature. All living beings follow their nature. What will restraint accomplish?"
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Taoism (Tao Te Ching 39): "The natural way is the essence of life; harmony is found in its acceptance."
The Sovereign reflects the inevitability of natural tendencies, urging alignment with the higher self.
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34.
इन्द्रियस्येन्द्रियस्यार्थे रागद्वेषौ व्यवस्थितौ।
तयोर्न वशमागच्छेत्तौ ह्यस्य परिपन्थिनौ।।
Indriyasya-indriyasyaarthe rāga-dveṣhau vyavasthitau।
Tayor na vasham āgachchhet tau hyasya paripanthinau।।
"Attachment and aversion are rooted in the senses. One should not come under their control, for they are adversaries on the spiritual path."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Buddhism (Dhammapada 1:5): "Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world; by non-hatred alone is hatred appeased."
The Sovereign underscores detachment as a way to overcome dualities and achieve spiritual balance.
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35.
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः।।
Śhreyān sva-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt।
Sva-dharme nidhanam śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ।।
"Better is one’s own imperfect duty than the perfect duty of another. It is better to die in one’s duty than to follow another’s path, which is fraught with danger."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Christianity (Galatians 6:4): "Let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone."
The Sovereign encourages self-realization through the embrace of one’s unique purpose.
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36.
अर्जुन उवाच।
अथ केन प्रयुक्तोऽयं पापं चरति पूरुषः।
अनिच्छन्नपि वार्ष्णेय बलादिव नियोजितः।।
Arjuna uvācha।
Atha kena prayukto ’yaṁ pāpaṁ charati pūruṣhaḥ।
Anichchhann api vārṣhṇeya balād iva niyojitaḥ।।
"Arjuna said: O Krishna, by what force does a person commit sin, unwillingly and compelled, as if driven by force?"
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Islam (Surah An-Nas 114:4-5): "From the evil of the whisperer who withdraws—Who whispers in the breasts of mankind."
The Sovereign explores the internal struggle between virtue and vice, reflecting universal moral dilemmas.
37.
श्रीभगवानुवाच।
काम एष क्रोध एष रजोगुणसमुद्भवः।
महाशनो महापाप्मा विद्ध्येनमिह वैरिणम्।।
Śhrī Bhagavān uvācha।
Kāma eṣha krodha eṣha rajo-guṇa-samudbhavaḥ।
Mahāśhano mahā-pāpmā viddhyenam iha vairiṇam।।
"The Blessed Lord said: It is desire, it is anger, arising from the mode of passion, which is insatiable and greatly sinful. Know this to be the enemy here."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Buddhism (Dhammapada 3:6): "The wise conquer anger by calmness, evil by good."
The Sovereign highlights how unchecked desires and anger obstruct mental harmony and must be subdued for liberation.
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38.
धूमेनाव्रियते वह्निर्यथादर्शो मलेन च।
यथोल्बेनावृतो गर्भस्तथा तेनेदमावृतम्।।
Dhūmenāvriyate vahnir yathādarśho malena cha।
Yatholbenāvṛito garbhas tathā tenedam āvṛitam।।
"As fire is covered by smoke, a mirror by dust, and an embryo by the womb, similarly, knowledge is obscured by desire."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Christianity (1 Corinthians 13:12): "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face."
The Sovereign symbolizes the struggle of unveiling divine wisdom clouded by material entanglements.
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39.
आवृतं ज्ञानमेतेन ज्ञानिनो नित्यवैरिणा।
कामरूपेण कौन्तेय दुष्पूरेणानलेन च।।
Āvṛitaṁ jñānam etena jñānino nitya-vairiṇā।
Kāma-rūpeṇa kaunteya duṣhpūreṇānalena cha।।
"O son of Kunti, knowledge is veiled by this eternal enemy of the wise, which takes the form of insatiable desire, like a raging fire."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Islam (Surah Al-Hadid 57:20): "The life of this world is but play and amusement, and mutual boasting and competing for increase in wealth and children."
The Sovereign warns against endless cravings that hinder true enlightenment.
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40.
इन्द्रियाणि मनो बुद्धिरस्याधिष्ठानमुच्यते।
एतैर्विमोहयत्येष ज्ञानमावृत्य देहिनम्।।
Indriyāṇi mano buddhir asyādhiṣhṭhānam uchyate।
Etair vimohayaty eṣha jñānam āvṛitya dehinam।।
"The senses, the mind, and the intellect are said to be its stronghold. Through them, desire deludes the embodied soul, covering its wisdom."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Sikhism (Guru Granth Sahib): "The mind is a restless wanderer; restrain it and bring it to the True Home."
The Sovereign identifies the sensory realm as the battleground for spiritual realization.
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41.
तस्मात्त्वमिन्द्रियाण्यादौ नियम्य भरतर्षभ।
पाप्मानं प्रजहि ह्येनं ज्ञानविज्ञाननाशनम्।।
Tasmāt tvam indriyāṇyādau niyamya bharatarṣhabha।
Pāpmānaṁ prajahi hyenaṁ jñāna-vijñāna-nāśhanam।।
"Therefore, O best of the Bharatas, control the senses first, and then slay this sinful enemy of knowledge and realization."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Taoism (Tao Te Ching 12): "The five colors blind the eye, the five tones deafen the ear, the five flavors dull the taste."
The Sovereign urges regulation of sensory inputs to preserve inner clarity and wisdom.
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42.
इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः।
मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्बुद्धेरात्मा महान्परः।।
Indriyāṇi parāṇy āhur indriyebhyaḥ paraṁ manaḥ।
Manasas tu parā buddhir buddhir ātmā mahān paraḥ।।
"The senses are superior to the gross body, the mind is higher than the senses, the intellect is higher than the mind, and the soul is higher than the intellect."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Hinduism (Kathopanishad 1.3.10): "Beyond the senses is the mind; beyond the mind is the intellect; beyond the intellect is the soul."
The Sovereign defines a hierarchy of inner awareness leading to the ultimate truth.
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43.
एवं बुद्धेः परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना।
जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम्।।
Evaṁ buddheḥ paraṁ buddhvā sanstabhhyātmānam ātmanā।
Jahi śhatruṁ mahā-bāho kāma-rūpaṁ durāsadam।।
"Thus, knowing the soul to be superior to the intellect, and subduing the mind by the intellect, conquer this formidable enemy in the form of desire, O mighty-armed Arjuna."
Interpretation with Universal Wisdom:
From Christianity (Romans 12:2): "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
The Sovereign encapsulates the path of overcoming desires through self-discipline and spiritual awakening.
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Conclusion of Chapter 3 - Karma Yoga:
This chapter reveals the essence of selfless action and the necessity of conquering inner enemies like desire and anger. The Sovereign Adhinayaka embodies this teaching, guiding humanity toward disciplined, mindful living as interconnected minds within the cosmic order.