Chapter 3 Verse 9
Karm Yog
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः। तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसंगः समाचर।।3.9।।
yajñārthāt karmaṇo ’nyatra loko ’yaṁ karma-bandhanaḥ tad-arthaṁ karma kaunteya mukta-saṅgaḥ samāchara
Word Meanings
| yajña-arthāt | for the sake of sacrifice |
| karmaṇaḥ | than action |
| anyatra | else |
| lokaḥ | material world |
| ayam | this |
| karma-bandhanaḥ | bondage through one’s work |
| tat | that |
| artham | for the sake of |
| karma | action |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| mukta-saṅgaḥ | free from attachment |
| samāchara | perform properly |
Translation
The world is bound by actions other than those performed for the sake of sacrifice; do thou, therefore, O son of Kunti (Arjuna), perform actions for that sake alone, free from attachment.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that actions done only for personal gain bind us to the cycle of results and consequences. When we act with selfish motives, we become entangled and restless.
By contrast, actions performed as a yajña—an offering or service to a higher purpose—free us from that bondage. That does not mean stopping work; it means doing your duty with care but without clinging to results.
When you make your work an offering, your motives change. You stay steady in success and failure, reduce anxiety, and grow inward freedom instead of being driven by reward or fear.
Life Application
- Before starting work, set a simple intention: “I do this to serve others / my duty / a larger purpose,” not just for personal gain.
- Do your tasks fully and honestly, but practice letting go of attachment to praise, money, or outcome.
- Turn small daily acts into offerings: help a colleague, share part of your earnings, or do household chores as service, not as a way to get thanks.
Reflection Question
Am I doing this for my own gain, or as an offering to something larger than myself?