Chapter 3 Verse 16
Karm Yog
एवं प्रवर्तितं चक्रं नानुवर्तयतीह यः। अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति।।3.16।।
evaṁ pravartitaṁ chakraṁ nānuvartayatīha yaḥ aghāyur indriyārāmo moghaṁ pārtha sa jīvati
Word Meanings
| evam | thus |
| pravartitam | set into motion |
| chakram | cycle |
| na | not |
| anuvartayati | follow |
| iha | in this life |
| yaḥ | who |
| agha-āyuḥ | sinful living |
| indriya-ārāmaḥ | for the delight of their senses |
| mogham | vainly |
| pārtha | Arjun, the son of Pritha |
| saḥ | they |
| jīvati | live |
Translation
He who does not follow the wheel thus set in motion, who is of sinful life, rejoicing in the senses, lives in vain, O Arjuna.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The "wheel set in motion" refers to the natural order of duty and consequence — the responsibilities we carry in life and the moral rhythm that keeps things balanced. When a person ignores this order and lives only for sense pleasures, they break the living pattern that brings growth and harmony.
Living for fleeting pleasures and avoiding duty leads to a life that feels empty and unproductive. Such a life brings short joys but creates harmful results and keeps a person stuck in repeating problems instead of moving forward.
Karma-yoga teaching here is simple: meaningful life comes from doing your duties with awareness, not from chasing momentary comforts. Acting responsibly and with restraint leads to lasting value; indulgence leads to futility.
Life Application
- Do your everyday responsibilities (work, family, community) before chasing entertainment or impulse pleasures. Small consistent actions matter.
- Set simple limits on sense-driven habits (screen time, overeating, impulsive buying) to protect your attention and energy.
- Serve or help others regularly; service redirects focus from short-term pleasure to lasting satisfaction.
Reflection Question
Are my daily choices moving me toward a meaningful life or only toward momentary pleasure?