Chapter 3 Verse 1-2
Karm Yog
अर्जुन उवाच ज्यायसी चेत्कर्मणस्ते मता बुद्धिर्जनार्दन। तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसि केशव।।3.1।। व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीव मे। तदेकं वद निश्िचत्य येन श्रेयोऽहमाप्नुयाम्।।3.2।।
arjuna uvācha jyāyasī chet karmaṇas te matā buddhir janārdana tat kiṁ karmaṇi ghore māṁ niyojayasi keśhava vyāmiśhreṇeva vākyena buddhiṁ mohayasīva me tad ekaṁ vada niśhchitya yena śhreyo ’ham āpnuyām
Word Meanings
| arjunaḥ uvācha | Arjun said |
| jyāyasī | superior |
| chet | if |
| karmaṇaḥ | than fruitive action |
| te | by you |
| matā | is considered |
| buddhiḥ | intellect |
| janārdana | he who looks after the public, Krishna |
| tat | then |
| kim | why |
| karmaṇi | action |
| ghore | terrible |
| mām | me |
| niyojayasi | do you engage |
| keśhava | Krishna, the killer of the demon named Keshi |
| vyāmiśhreṇa iva | by your apparently ambiguous |
| vākyena | words |
| buddhim | intellect |
| mohayasi | I am getting bewildered |
| iva | as it were |
| me | my |
| tat | therefore |
| ekam | one |
| vada | please tell |
| niśhchitya | decisively |
| yena | by which |
| śhreyaḥ | the highest good |
| aham | I |
| āpnuyām | may attain |
Translation
Arjuna said: If Thou thinkest that knowledge is superior to action, O Krishna, why then, O Kesava, doest Thou ask me to engage in this terrible action? With this seemingly perplexing speech, you seem to be confusing my understanding; therefore, tell me one certain way by which I may attain bliss.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Arjuna is confused. He has heard that true knowledge is higher than mere action, yet Krishna asks him to fight. This seems like two different messages and it leaves him unsure what to do.
The deeper point is that knowledge and action must be joined. Pure understanding should shape how we act, and right action can be a form of spiritual practice when it is done without selfish aims. Confusion comes when we try to hold both ideas without a single clear rule.
Krishna’s teaching that follows shows a practical path: perform your duty with the guidance of wisdom, but without attachment to results. That steady, single-minded approach leads to real good (śreya).
Life Application
- When you feel torn, pick one clear, ethical principle (duty, honesty, service) and let it guide your choice.
- Do what needs to be done, but release obsession with the outcome—focus on effort and right intention.
- If teachings or advice feel mixed, simplify: learn the key insight, decide, and act consistently.
Reflection Question
What one clear principle can I follow today to end my confusion and act with confidence?