॥ ॐ श्री परमात्मने नमः ॥
अथ तृतीयोऽध्यायः । कर्मयोगः
अर्जुन उवाच ।
ज्यायसी चेत्कर्मणस्ते मता बुद्धिर्जनार्दन ।
तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसि केशव ॥ ३-१॥
व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीव मे ।
तदेकं वद निश्चित्य येन श्रेयोऽहमाप्नुयाम् ॥ ३-२॥
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
लोकेऽस्मिन् द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ ।
ज्ञानयोगेन साङ्ख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम् ॥ ३-३॥
न कर्मणामनारम्भान्नैष्कर्म्यं पुरुषोऽश्नुते ।
न च संन्यसनादेव सिद्धिं समधिगच्छति ॥ ३-४॥
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत् ।
कार्यते ह्यवशः कर्म सर्वः प्रकृतिजैर्गुणैः ॥ ३-५॥
कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य य आस्ते मनसा स्मरन् ।
इन्द्रियार्थान्विमूढात्मा मिथ्याचारः स उच्यते ॥ ३-६॥
यस्त्विन्द्रियाणि मनसा नियम्यारभतेऽर्जुन ।
कर्मेन्द्रियैः कर्मयोगमसक्तः स विशिष्यते ॥ ३-७॥
नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः ।
शरीरयात्रापि च ते न प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः ॥ ३-८॥
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः ।
तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसङ्गः समाचर ॥ ३-९॥
सहयज्ञाः प्रजाः सृष्ट्वा पुरोवाच प्रजापतिः ।
अनेन प्रसविष्यध्वमेष वोऽस्त्विष्टकामधुक् ॥ ३-१०॥
देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु वः ।
परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यथ ॥ ३-११॥
इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः ।
तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः ॥ ३-१२॥
यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषैः ।
भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात् ॥ ३-१३॥
अन्नाद्भवन्ति भूतानि पर्जन्यादन्नसम्भवः ।
यज्ञाद्भवति पर्जन्यो यज्ञः कर्मसमुद्भवः ॥ ३-१४॥
कर्म ब्रह्मोद्भवं विद्धि ब्रह्माक्षरसमुद्भवम् ।
तस्मात्सर्वगतं ब्रह्म नित्यं यज्ञे प्रतिष्ठितम् ॥ ३-१५॥
एवं प्रवर्तितं चक्रं नानुवर्तयतीह यः ।
अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति ॥ ३-१६॥
यस्त्वात्मरतिरेव स्यादात्मतृप्तश्च मानवः ।
आत्मन्येव च सन्तुष्टस्तस्य कार्यं न विद्यते ॥ ३-१७॥
नैव तस्य कृतेनार्थो नाकृतेनेह कश्चन ।
न चास्य सर्वभूतेषु कश्चिदर्थव्यपाश्रयः ॥ ३-१८॥
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर ।
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः ॥ ३-१९॥
कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः ।
लोकसङ्ग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि ॥ ३-२०॥
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः ।
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते ॥ ३-२१॥
न मे पार्थास्ति कर्तव्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु किञ्चन ।
नानवाप्तमवाप्तव्यं वर्त एव च कर्मणि ॥ ३-२२॥
यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रितः ।
मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः ॥ ३-२३॥
उत्सीदेयुरिमे लोका न कुर्यां कर्म चेदहम् ।
सङ्करस्य च कर्ता स्यामुपहन्यामिमाः प्रजाः ॥ ३-२४॥
सक्ताः कर्मण्यविद्वांसो यथा कुर्वन्ति भारत ।
कुर्याद्विद्वांस्तथासक्तश्चिकीर्षुर्लोकसङ्ग्रहम् ॥ ३-२५॥
न बुद्धिभेदं जनयेदज्ञानां कर्मसङ्गिनाम् ।
जोषयेत्सर्वकर्माणि विद्वान्युक्तः समाचरन् ॥ ३-२६॥
प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः ।
अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते ॥ ३-२७॥
तत्त्ववित्तु महाबाहो गुणकर्मविभागयोः ।
गुणा गुणेषु वर्तन्त इति मत्वा न सज्जते ॥ ३-२८॥
प्रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढाः सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु ।
तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान्कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत् ॥ ३-२९॥
मयि सर्वाणि कर्माणि संन्यस्याध्यात्मचेतसा ।
निराशीर्निर्ममो भूत्वा युध्यस्व विगतज्वरः ॥ ३-३०॥
ये मे मतमिदं नित्यमनुतिष्ठन्ति मानवाः ।
श्रद्धावन्तोऽनसूयन्तो मुच्यन्ते तेऽपि कर्मभिः ॥ ३-३१॥
ये त्वेतदभ्यसूयन्तो नानुतिष्ठन्ति मे मतम् ।
सर्वज्ञानविमूढांस्तान्विद्धि नष्टानचेतसः ॥ ३-३२॥
सदृशं चेष्टते स्वस्याः प्रकृतेर्ज्ञानवानपि ।
प्रकृतिं यान्ति भूतानि निग्रहः किं करिष्यति ॥ ३-३३॥
इन्द्रियस्येन्द्रियस्यार्थे रागद्वेषौ व्यवस्थितौ ।
तयोर्न वशमागच्छेत्तौ ह्यस्य परिपन्थिनौ ॥ ३-३४॥
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् ।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः ॥ ३-३५॥
अर्जुन उवाच ।
अथ केन प्रयुक्तोऽयं पापं चरति पूरुषः ।
अनिच्छन्नपि वार्ष्णेय बलादिव नियोजितः ॥ ३-३६॥
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
काम एष क्रोध एष रजोगुणसमुद्भवः ।
महाशनो महापाप्मा विद्ध्येनमिह वैरिणम् ॥ ३-३७॥
धूमेनाव्रियते वह्निर्यथादर्शो मलेन च ।
यथोल्बेनावृतो गर्भस्तथा तेनेदमावृतम् ॥ ३-३८॥
आवृतं ज्ञानमेतेन ज्ञानिनो नित्यवैरिणा ।
कामरूपेण कौन्तेय दुष्पूरेणानलेन च ॥ ३-३९॥
इन्द्रियाणि मनो बुद्धिरस्याधिष्ठानमुच्यते ।
एतैर्विमोहयत्येष ज्ञानमावृत्य देहिनम् ॥ ३-४०॥
तस्मात्त्वमिन्द्रियाण्यादौ नियम्य भरतर्षभ ।
पाप्मानं प्रजहि ह्येनं ज्ञानविज्ञाननाशनम् ॥ ३-४१॥
इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः ।
मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धेः परतस्तु सः ॥ ३-४२॥
एवं बुद्धेः परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना ।
जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम् ॥ ३-४३॥
ॐ तत्सदिति श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतासूपनिषत्सु
ब्रह्मविद्यायां योगशास्त्रे श्रीकृष्णार्जुनसंवादे
कर्मयोगो नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः ॥ ३॥
Introduction to Chapter 3
Overview of Karma Yoga
Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita is known as Karma Yoga, or The Yoga of Action. It explains that action is inevitable, duty must be fulfilled, and one should act without attachment to outcomes.
Arjuna’s Doubt about Action vs Knowledge
Arjuna is confused: if knowledge is higher, why is he asked to fight? Krishna clarifies that knowledge and action are both needed.
Duty (Svadharma) and Indiscribed duty correct to their nature (svadharma). Even the wise fulfill their roles so as to uphold social order. "
What is Karma Yoga?
Chapter 3 of Bhagavad Gita is called Karma Yoga – the Yoga of Action that teaches selfless work without attachment.
Arjuna’s Question about Action vs Knowledge
Arjuna asks Krishna why one must act if knowledge is higher – a core question in Chapter 3.
Duty (Svadharma) Explained
Duty according to one’s nature (svadharma) is emphasized: performing one’s duty rightly is essential.
Yajña: Sacrifice in Action
Yajña (sacrifice) is which one acts not for selfish gains but for higher good – this idea recurs in the chapter.
Selfless Action vs Attachment
The text contrasts acting with attachment vs acting selflessly liberation is found in action without expectation.
Selfless Action vs Attachment
Freedom from Bondage
Selfless action purifies the heart and reduces karmic binding; leads toward liberation,Role of the Wise,Characteristics of the Wise,"The wise are calm, balanced, detached, fulfilling their role without ego, and acting out of higher purpose,Role of the Wise,Non-abandonment of Duties,"Even the wise do not abandon duties, because their example influences others; neglecting duties can lead others astray,Role of the Wise,Living with Integrity,"Wise persons live by inner principles: they act with honesty, consistency, and moral clarity,Role of the Wise,Steadfastness under Adversity,"When facing difficulties, criticism, or doubt, the wise remain steadfast and undisturbed.
Role of the Wise
Inner Peace via Selfless Action
Peace arises when one ceases to expect, ceases to cling—action becomes a flow.
Destructive Powers to Avoid
Anger (Krodha) after Desire
Desire when frustrated turns into anger which further clouds intellect and causes harm,Destructive Powers to Avoid,Attachment to Pleasure and Avoidance of Pain,"Clinging to pleasures and aversion to pain cause one to act from selfish motive rather than from duty.
Idolizing Outcomes over Action
When outcome becomes goal rather than selfless duty, one falls into bondage and disappointment.
Hypocrisy and False Renunciation
Pretending to renounce actions but inside still desiring external renunciation without inner purity is false.
Conclusion
Summary of Chapter 3 Teachings
Chapter 3 teaches that action is necessary, duty should be done without attachment, sacrifice (yajña) purifies, and the wise act as example. These are central lessons for spiritual growth.
Relevance for Readers Today
Even today, in modern life, these teachings help with stress, decision-making, fulfillment: act responsibly, without anxious expectations, and live ethically.
Path Forward
Begin small: perform daily duties with mindfulness, offer work as service, control desires, observe example of wise, slowly progress with consistency.
Principles of Action
Duty vs Renunciation
Even renunciation of action is not praised if it abandons one’s duties – correct action matters.
Performing Duty as Sacrifice
Every action should be offered as sacrifice (yajña) to avoid bondage and ego.
Balance between Knowledge and Action
Knowledge alone is not sufficient action complements wisdom in spiritual growth.
Consequences of Inaction
Inaction or avoiding duties leads to negative consequences even for the wise.
Role of Desire and Anger
Desire when frustrated gives rise to anger which clouds the intellect – something to avoid.
Role of the Wise & Example
Living by Example
Wise persons do not abandon duties their conduct influences others.
Inner Peace through Selfless Service
Peace comes when action is offered without expectation through selfless service.
Detached Action
Even among the learned actions done without attachment are valued most.
Consistency in Adversity
The wise remain steady during difficulties criticism or confusion.
Impact on Society
Wise behaviour not only benefits self but uplifts others and society.
Obstacles & Misconceptions
False Renunciation
Pretending to give up action while internally still attached is false renunciation.
Attachment to Outcomes
Desiring results binds one in karma rather than freeing one.
Desire‐Anger Cycle
Desire leads to anger when unfulfilled clouding spiritual progress.
Hypocrisy in Dharma
Doing one thing in words and another in actions weakens credibility and spiritual growth.
Comparing Self with Others
Avoid comparing one’s duties with others’ each has unique path.
Practical Applications
Applying Karma Yoga Today
In modern life work with mindfulness service orientation without obsessing about success or failure.
Mindful Daily Duties
Small daily tasks done consciously become spiritual practice.
Working for the Common Good
Actions that help community or environment reflect yajña principle.
Handling Failure & Outcome
When outcomes disappoint keep inner balance and learn rather than blame.
Reducing Ego in Work
Focus on purpose and others rather than self‐importance.
Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita is known as Karma Yoga, or The Yoga of Action. It explains that action is inevitable, duty must be fulfilled, and one should act without attachment to outcomes.
Arjuna is confused: if knowledge is higher, why is he asked to fight? Krishna clarifies that knowledge and action are both needed.
Chapter 3 of Bhagavad Gita is called Karma Yoga – the Yoga of Action that teaches selfless work without attachment.
Arjuna asks Krishna why one must act if knowledge is higher – a core question in Chapter 3.
Duty according to one’s nature (svadharma) is emphasized: performing one’s duty rightly is essential.
Yajña (sacrifice) is which one acts not for selfish gains but for higher good – this idea recurs in the chapter.
The text contrasts acting with attachment vs acting selflessly liberation is found in action without expectation.
Selfless action purifies the heart and reduces karmic binding; leads toward liberation,Role of the Wise,Characteristics of the Wise,"The wise are calm, balanced, detached, fulfilling their role without ego, and acting out of higher purpose,Role of the Wise,Non-abandonment of Duties,"Even the wise do not abandon duties, because their example influences others; neglecting duties can lead others astray,Role of the Wise,Living with Integrity,"Wise persons live by inner principles: they act with honesty, consistency, and moral clarity,Role of the Wise,Steadfastness under Adversity,"When facing difficulties, criticism, or doubt, the wise remain steadfast and undisturbed.
Peace arises when one ceases to expect, ceases to cling—action becomes a flow.
Desire when frustrated turns into anger which further clouds intellect and causes harm,Destructive Powers to Avoid,Attachment to Pleasure and Avoidance of Pain,"Clinging to pleasures and aversion to pain cause one to act from selfish motive rather than from duty.
When outcome becomes goal rather than selfless duty, one falls into bondage and disappointment.
Pretending to renounce actions but inside still desiring external renunciation without inner purity is false.
Chapter 3 teaches that action is necessary, duty should be done without attachment, sacrifice (yajña) purifies, and the wise act as example. These are central lessons for spiritual growth.
Even today, in modern life, these teachings help with stress, decision-making, fulfillment: act responsibly, without anxious expectations, and live ethically.
Begin small: perform daily duties with mindfulness, offer work as service, control desires, observe example of wise, slowly progress with consistency.
Even renunciation of action is not praised if it abandons one’s duties – correct action matters.
Every action should be offered as sacrifice (yajña) to avoid bondage and ego.
Knowledge alone is not sufficient action complements wisdom in spiritual growth.
Inaction or avoiding duties leads to negative consequences even for the wise.
Desire when frustrated gives rise to anger which clouds the intellect – something to avoid.
Wise persons do not abandon duties their conduct influences others.
Peace comes when action is offered without expectation through selfless service.
Even among the learned actions done without attachment are valued most.
The wise remain steady during difficulties criticism or confusion.
Wise behaviour not only benefits self but uplifts others and society.
Pretending to give up action while internally still attached is false renunciation.
Desiring results binds one in karma rather than freeing one.
Desire leads to anger when unfulfilled clouding spiritual progress.
Doing one thing in words and another in actions weakens credibility and spiritual growth.
Avoid comparing one’s duties with others’ each has unique path.
In modern life work with mindfulness service orientation without obsessing about success or failure.
Small daily tasks done consciously become spiritual practice.
Actions that help community or environment reflect yajña principle.
When outcomes disappoint keep inner balance and learn rather than blame.
Focus on purpose and others rather than self‐importance.
