Chapter 3 Verse 25
Karm Yog
सक्ताः कर्मण्यविद्वांसो यथा कुर्वन्ति भारत। कुर्याद्विद्वांस्तथासक्तश्िचकीर्षुर्लोकसंग्रहम्।।3.25।।
saktāḥ karmaṇyavidvānso yathā kurvanti bhārata kuryād vidvāns tathāsaktaśh chikīrṣhur loka-saṅgraham
Word Meanings
| saktāḥ | attached |
| karmaṇi | duties |
| avidvānsaḥ | the ignorant |
| yathā | as much as |
| kurvanti | act |
| bhārata | scion of Bharat (Arjun) |
| kuryāt | should do |
| vidvān | the wise |
| tathā | thus |
| asaktaḥ | unattached |
| chikīrṣhuḥ | wishing |
| loka-saṅgraham | welfare of the world |
Translation
As the ignorant act out of attachment to action, O Bharata, so should the wise act without attachment, wishing for the welfare of the world.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
People who are unaware act because they are attached to results, rewards, or personal gain. They keep doing things to satisfy desires and boost the ego.
The wise do the same kinds of actions, but without personal attachment. Their motive is the welfare of others and the common good, not their own profit.
This verse teaches that true wisdom is not avoiding work, but doing work with a selfless heart. Action becomes a form of service when done without clinging to outcomes.
Life Application
- Do your daily tasks fully and honestly, but let go of constant worry about praise, profit, or recognition.
- Choose actions that help others—family, colleagues, community—even if they don't bring immediate reward.
- When facing difficult results, ask whether you acted with good intention; learn and continue without blaming yourself or others.
Reflection Question
Are my actions guided by personal gain or by a wish to help others?