Chapter 3 Verse 20-21
Karm Yog
कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः। लोकसंग्रहमेवापि संपश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि।।3.20।। यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः। स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते।।3.21।।
karmaṇaiva hi sansiddhim āsthitā janakādayaḥ loka-saṅgraham evāpi sampaśhyan kartum arhasi yad yad ācharati śhreṣhṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute lokas tad anuvartate
Word Meanings
| karmaṇā | by the performance of prescribed duties |
| eva | only |
| hi | certainly |
| sansiddhim | perfection |
| āsthitāḥ | attained |
| janaka-ādayaḥ | King Janak and other kings |
| loka-saṅgraham | for the welfare of the masses |
| eva api | only |
| sampaśhyan | considering |
| kartum | to perform |
| arhasi | you should |
| yat yat | whatever |
| ācharati | does |
| śhreṣhṭhaḥ | the best |
| tat tat | that (alone) |
| eva | certainly |
| itaraḥ | common |
| janaḥ | people |
| saḥ | they |
| yat | whichever |
| pramāṇam | standard |
| kurute | perform |
| lokaḥ | world |
| tat | that |
| anuvartate | pursues |
Translation
Janaka and others attained perfection indeed through action alone; even with the intention of protecting the masses, you should perform action. Whatever a great man does, others also do; whatever he establishes as the standard, the world follows.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse teaches that spiritual maturity comes through doing one's duty, not by avoiding action. Even sages and kings like Janaka reached perfection by acting rightly in the world.
It also urges acting with the welfare of others in mind. When you take responsibility for the common good, your actions become a path to growth.
Finally, it points out the power of example: people copy those they respect. A leader’s behavior becomes a standard for others to follow, so right action carries social responsibility.
Life Application
- Do your everyday duties carefully and consistently, even in small things—your steady practice shapes character.
- Make choices thinking about their impact on others; prefer actions that help and uplift your community.
- Lead by example: live simply, act responsibly, and avoid seeking praise—your habits will influence others more than your words.
Reflection Question
Are my daily actions the kind of example I want others to follow?