Chapter 3 Verse 32
Karm Yog
ये त्वेतदभ्यसूयन्तो नानुतिष्ठन्ति मे मतम्। सर्वज्ञानविमूढांस्तान्विद्धि नष्टानचेतसः।।3.32।।
ye tvetad abhyasūyanto nānutiṣhṭhanti me matam sarva-jñāna-vimūḍhāns tān viddhi naṣhṭān achetasaḥ
Word Meanings
| ye | those |
| tu | but |
| etat | this |
| abhyasūyantaḥ | cavilling |
| na | not |
| anutiṣhṭhanti | follow |
| me | my |
| matam | teachings |
| sarva-jñāna | in all types of knowledge |
| vimūḍhān | deluded |
| tān | they are |
| viddhi | know |
| naṣhṭān | ruined |
| achetasaḥ | devoid of discrimination |
Translation
But those who criticize My teaching and do not practice it, deprived of all knowledge and lacking discernment, know them to be doomed to destruction.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse warns against criticizing spiritual teachings without trying to live by them. Arguing about truth while not practicing it shows a gap between head knowledge and heart action.
When a person rejects guidance out of pride or stubbornness, they lose the ability to see clearly. True wisdom in the Gita is not only learning ideas but testing them in everyday actions; without that testing, understanding remains confused and harmful.
The deeper point is practical: integrity between belief and behavior brings clarity and growth. Pretending to know or dismissing teachings without effort leads to self-deception and harm.
Life Application
- Before criticizing a practice or teaching, try it consistently for a period and observe the results in your life.
- Match words with actions: make small, regular habits (like mindful speech or simple service) that reflect the teachings you value.
- Cultivate humility: admit when you don’t understand and learn from those who live the principles you study.
Reflection Question
Am I living the teachings I criticize, or am I judging without trying them?