Chapter 3 Verse 33
Karm Yog
सदृशं चेष्टते स्वस्याः प्रकृतेर्ज्ञानवानपि। प्रकृतिं यान्ति भूतानि निग्रहः किं करिष्यति।।3.33।।
sadṛiśhaṁ cheṣhṭate svasyāḥ prakṛiter jñānavān api prakṛitiṁ yānti bhūtāni nigrahaḥ kiṁ kariṣhyati
Word Meanings
| sadṛiśham | accordingly |
| cheṣhṭate | act |
| svasyāḥ | by their own |
| prakṛiteḥ | modes of nature |
| jñāna-vān | the wise |
| api | even |
| prakṛitim | nature |
| yānti | follow |
| bhūtāni | all living beings |
| nigrahaḥ | repression |
| kim | what |
| kariṣhyati | will do |
Translation
Even a wise man acts in accordance with his own nature; beings will follow their nature; what can restraint do?
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Even a wise person moves according to their own nature. Knowledge alone does not magically change deep habits, instincts, or temperament. People act from the tendencies they have developed.
Trying to forcefully repress or deny these tendencies rarely works. Restraint by itself cannot uproot the qualities that shape action. Change comes from understanding and working with your nature, not only from shutting things down.
Spiritually, freedom means learning to refine and direct your nature through steady practice, right action, and awareness. Gradual inner work transforms habits so you act from choice rather than compulsion.
Life Application
- Notice and accept your recurring habits and tendencies instead of blaming yourself for them.
- Use small, consistent practices (daily routine, short meditation, setting reminders) to slowly change what dominates your behavior.
- Arrange your tasks and environment to channel your strengths and reduce triggers that lead to unwanted actions.
Reflection Question
What one habitual tendency shapes most of my actions, and how can I gently work with it rather than fight it?