Path of Selfless Service
Verse 3.23
यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रितः। मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः।।3.23।।
yadi hyahaṁ na varteyaṁ jātu karmaṇyatandritaḥ mama vartmānuvartante manuṣhyāḥ pārtha sarvaśhaḥ
Word Meanings
yadi—if; hi—certainly; aham—I; na—not; varteyam—thus engage; jātu—ever; karmaṇi—in the performance of prescribed duties; atandritaḥ—carefully; mama—my; vartma—path; anuvartante—follow; manuṣhyāḥ—all men; pārtha—Arjun, the son of Pritha; sarvaśhaḥ—in all respects
Translation · English
For, should I not ever engage myself in action, unwearied, people would in every way follow my path, O Arjuna.
Deep Meaning · English
In this verse, Krishna speaks not merely as a historical charioteer, but as the 'Lokasaṅgraha'—the maintainer of the world order. Even though the Lord is inherently free from all needs and desires, He assumes the role of a performer of duty to establish a standard for humanity. This illustrates that the Divine does not remain aloof from the world's functioning; rather, He actively participates in the field of action (Dharma) to uphold the cosmic harmony. The verse serves as a profound warning to leaders, teachers, and individuals of influence: one’s actions are never isolated, as they inevitably become the 'vartma' or path that others follow. By working tirelessly ('atandritaḥ'), Krishna demonstrates that true spiritual freedom does not manifest as withdrawal from the world, but as a commitment to service that sustains the welfare of all beings. This is a call to align one's life with the cosmic rhythm, ensuring that our personal conduct strengthens the moral fabric of society. It humbles the seeker by reminding them that they are an exemplar to others, emphasizing that our influence is a sacred responsibility.
The wise perform their duties not for personal gain, but to serve as a living template of righteousness, acknowledging that the lives of leaders are the blueprints for the collective path of humanity.
Connected Verses
Connects the spirit of 'Om Tat Sat' and the performance of prescribed duties to the ultimate goal of spiritual elevation through selfless acts.
Krishna reaffirms His neutrality in action, explaining that while He engages in creation, He remains untouched by the fruits, modeling ideal detachment.
This verse serves as the immediate consequence of 3.23, warning that if the enlightened soul neglects duty, the resulting social chaos rests on their shoulders.
This verse directly introduces the principle that the actions of the great set the standard for the rest of the world to emulate.
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