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Chapter 3 Verse 3
Bhagavad Gita

Chapter 3 Verse 3

Karm Yog

Verse 3
Audio Available
BG 3.3
Unmotivated

श्री भगवानुवाच लोकेऽस्मिन्द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ। ज्ञानयोगेन सांख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम्।।3.3।।

śhrī bhagavān uvācha loke’smin dvi-vidhā niṣhṭhā purā proktā mayānagha jñāna-yogena sāṅkhyānāṁ karma-yogena yoginām

Word Meanings

śhrī-bhagavān uvāchathe Blessed Lord said
lokein the world
asminthis
dvi-vidhātwo kinds of
niṣhṭhāfaith
purāpreviously
proktāexplained
mayāby me (Shree Krishna)
anaghasinless
jñāna-yogenathrough the path of knowledge
sānkhyānāmfor those inclined toward contemplation
karma-yogenathrough the path of action
yogināmof the yogis

Translation

The Blessed Lord said, "In this world, there is a twofold path, as I said before, O sinless one: the path of knowledge of the Sankhyas and the path of action of the Yogins."

Philosophical Significance

Core Meaning

Krishna reminds us there are two main ways to spiritual growth: the path of knowledge (quiet study and inner seeing) and the path of action (doing duty with discipline). Both routes were already taught by him and both lead toward the same goal.

The path of knowledge helps people see the true nature of self and reality. The path of action teaches how to live rightly in the world through selfless work. Neither is superior in every situation; each suits different temperaments and life roles.

The deeper lesson is balance: let insight guide your actions, and let action test and purify your insight. Acting without awareness binds you; knowing without acting can become empty. Combine steady understanding with honest effort.

Life Application

  • Choose a practice that fits your nature: regular study/meditation if you are inward, steady service and responsible work if you are outward.
  • Do daily tasks with awareness and without clinging to results—focus on doing the right thing rather than on reward.
  • Spend a little time each day reflecting or learning, so your actions stay guided by wisdom.

Reflection Question

Are my daily actions guided by inner understanding, or do I act from habit and desire?