The Gita

Chapter 3 · Verse 19 of 43

The Yoga of Action

कर्मयोग

Meaning

Supreme God Krishna spoke

Remain actively involved in your responsibilities while cultivating detachment. The one who acts without attachment attains the highest good. (3:19)

Sanskrit

श्रीभगवान् उवाच

तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर ।

असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः॥

Word-by-word

तस्मात् अ-सक्तः सततम् कार्यम् कर्म सम्-आचर,

अ-सक्तः हि आचरन् कर्म परम् आप्नोति पूरुषः।।

Commentary

This verse discourages personal attachment to worldly objects, which is implicit in nearly all Vedic rituals. It also clarifies that the Vedas generally do not lead to the highest good, as their ultimate aim is Surendraloka (heaven), not Nirvāna or reaching God's Abode (2:43).

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