Chapter 3 Verse 23
Karm Yog
यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रितः। मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः।।3.23।।
yadi hyahaṁ na varteyaṁ jātu karmaṇyatandritaḥ mama vartmānuvartante manuṣhyāḥ pārtha sarvaśhaḥ
Word Meanings
| yadi | if |
| hi | certainly |
| aham | I |
| na | not |
| varteyam | thus engage |
| jātu | ever |
| karmaṇi | in the performance of prescribed duties |
| atandritaḥ | carefully |
| mama | my |
| vartma | path |
| anuvartante | follow |
| manuṣhyāḥ | all men |
| pārtha | Arjun, the son of Pritha |
| sarvaśhaḥ | in all respects |
Translation
For, should I not ever engage myself in action, unwearied, people would in every way follow my path, O Arjuna.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna explains that his constant action sets a pattern for others. If he stopped doing his duty, people would copy his inaction and go astray.
The deeper point is that wise or visible people must act steadily and selflessly. Their steady work keeps social and moral order and teaches others by example.
Spiritually, this teaches that action done without selfish desire is a guiding light. Consistent, duty-driven effort matters more than withdrawal when many look to us for direction.
Life Application
- Keep doing your responsibilities steadily, even when you feel detached or beyond them — your consistency matters to others.
- Act without craving results; let service and duty be the motive so your actions become a healthy example.
- Be mindful that your visible habits influence family, coworkers, and community; choose actions you want them to follow.
Reflection Question
What example am I giving through my daily actions?