Chapter 3 Verse 24
Karm Yog
उत्सीदेयुरिमे लोका न कुर्यां कर्म चेदहम्। सङ्करस्य च कर्ता स्यामुपहन्यामिमाः प्रजाः।।3.24।।
utsīdeyur ime lokā na kuryāṁ karma ched aham sankarasya cha kartā syām upahanyām imāḥ prajāḥ
Word Meanings
| utsīdeyuḥ | would perish |
| ime | all these |
| lokāḥ | worlds |
| na | not |
| kuryām | I perform |
| karma | prescribed duties |
| chet | if |
| aham | I |
| sankarasya | of uncultured population |
| cha | and |
| kartā | responsible |
| syām | would be |
| upahanyām | would destroy |
| imāḥ | all these |
| prajāḥ | living entities |
Translation
These worlds would perish if I did not perform action; I would be the author of confusion of castes and destruction of these beings.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna says that action is necessary to keep the world in order. If even the divine stayed passive, social and moral life would fall apart. Action is not mere personal choice; it carries responsibility for the wellbeing of others.
Philosophically, this teaches that duty and right action are sustaining forces. When those who can act refuse to do so, confusion and harm follow. The verse points to the idea that purposeful, responsible action—rather than idle detachment—is needed to preserve life and society.
Life Application
- Do your duties consistently and responsibly; your work supports others even if it seems small.
- Lead by example: when leaders or skilled people avoid action, others suffer. Step up rather than withdraw.
- Act without selfish attachment to outcomes; focus on sustaining what is good for the community.
Reflection Question
What important duty am I avoiding that others depend on me to do?