Chapter 3 Verse 22
Karm Yog
न मे पार्थास्ति कर्तव्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु किञ्चन। नानवाप्तमवाप्तव्यं वर्त एव च कर्मणि।।3.22।।
na me pārthāsti kartavyaṁ triṣhu lokeṣhu kiñchana nānavāptam avāptavyaṁ varta eva cha karmaṇi
Word Meanings
| na | not |
| me | mine |
| pārtha | Arjun |
| asti | is |
| kartavyam | duty |
| triṣhu | in the three |
| lokeṣhu | worlds |
| kiñchana | any |
| na | not |
| anavāptam | to be attained |
| avāptavyam | to be gained |
| varte | I am engaged |
| eva | yet |
| cha | also |
| karmaṇi | in prescribed duties |
Translation
There is nothing in the three worlds, O Arjuna, that needs to be done by Me, nor is there anything unattained that needs to be attained; yet I engage Myself in action.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna says that for Him there is nothing left to achieve and nothing unfinished in the whole world. Yet He continues to act. This shows that action is not only for personal gain or need.
His activity is a model: He acts to sustain the world, uphold right order, and teach others the way of duty. The point is that true action can be free from personal desire and ego.
This teaches the spirit of selfless work. Do your duties because they are needed, not only to win rewards or avoid loss.
Life Application
- Do your tasks focusing on responsibility and service, not just on the result.
- Lead by example: act with integrity so others learn from your choices.
- Practice detachment: do your best, then let go of outcomes and praise.
Reflection Question
Am I doing this task from personal desire or from a sense of duty and service?