Chapter 3 Verse 31
Karm Yog
ये मे मतमिदं नित्यमनुतिष्ठन्ति मानवाः। श्रद्धावन्तोऽनसूयन्तो मुच्यन्ते तेऽपि कर्मभिः।।3.31।।
ye me matam idaṁ nityam anutiṣhṭhanti mānavāḥ śhraddhāvanto ’nasūyanto muchyante te ’pi karmabhiḥ
Word Meanings
| ye | who |
| me | my |
| matam | teachings |
| idam | these |
| nityam | constantly |
| anutiṣhṭhanti | abide by |
| mānavāḥ | human beings |
| śhraddhā-vantaḥ | with profound faith |
| anasūyantaḥ | free from cavilling |
| muchyante | become free |
| te | those |
| api | also |
| karmabhiḥ | from the bondage of karma |
Translation
Those who constantly practice this teaching of Mine with faith and without caviling, they too are freed from actions.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
If a person follows Krishna’s teaching regularly, with sincere faith and without nitpicking or constant objections, they move beyond the binding effects of their actions. The freedom promised here is not stopping work, but being free from the inner slavery to results, fear, and guilt.
"Without caviling" means not arguing, not letting pride or doubt keep you from applying what you know. When practice is steady and humble, actions become a path to inner peace rather than a source of bondage.
This verse teaches that right attitude—faith, consistency, and openness—changes how action affects you. Acting from devotion and trust transforms work into freedom.
Life Application
- Keep a simple daily practice (small prayers, reading, or mindful action) and stick to it, even when results are unclear.
- When you feel like arguing, criticizing, or avoiding a teaching, pause and ask if pride or doubt is blocking your growth; choose faithful action instead.
- Offer your work and its results to a higher purpose (service, duty, the divine) to reduce attachment and anxiety about outcomes.
Reflection Question
Where am I resisting a teaching or practice out of pride or doubt instead of trying it with faith?