- By Kashish Rai
- Thu, 21 Sep 2023 01:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bhagavad Gita Quotes: The "Path of Selfless Service" or "Karma Yog" is discussed in the third chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna emphasises the value of karma in this section. He makes it clear that it is crucial for each and every person to carry out some form of action in the real world. He also discusses the activities that lead to tyranny and those that lead to freedom. People who continue to carry out their assigned tasks for the Supreme's delight outside of attachment to the associated rewards eventually achieve liberation. Lord Krishna emphasises to Arjun that no one can remain still for even a short period of time.
All beings are obligated by their fundamental natures to participate in some sort of work at all times. Those who engage in karma yog are superior because they continue to work hard to meet their obligations on the outside while remaining detached from them on the inside. The hypocrites, on the other hand, portray an outward renunciation while internally focusing on their senses' objects. Let us have a look at 7 important verses from the Bhagwad Gita on Karm Yog that will inspire you to work hard and achieve success.
7 Quotes By Lord Krishna On Karma Yog
1. One cannot achieve freedom from karmic reactions by merely abstaining from work, nor can one attain perfection of knowledge by mere physical renunciation. - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 4
2. But those karma yogis who control their knowledge senses with the mind, O Arjun, and engage the working senses in working without attachment, are certainly superior. - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 7
3. You should thus perform your prescribed Vedic duties since action is superior to inaction. By ceasing activity, even your bodily maintenance will not be possible. - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 8
4. Therefore, giving up attachment, perform actions as a matter of duty because by working without being attached to the fruits, one attains the Supreme. - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 19
Lord Krishna discusses the "Path of Selfless Service" or "Karma Yog" in the third chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. (Image Source: Pixabay)
5. The wise should not create discord in the intellects of ignorant people, who are attached to fruitful actions, by inducing them to stop work. Rather, by performing their duties in an enlightened manner, they should inspire the ignorant also to do their prescribed duties. - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 26
6. It is far better to perform one’s natural prescribed duty, though tinged with faults, than to perform another’s prescribed duty, though perfectly. In fact, it is preferable to die in the discharge of one’s duty, than to follow the path of another, which is fraught with danger. - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 35
7. Therefore, O best of the Bharatas, in the very beginning bring the senses under control and slay this enemy called desire, which is the embodiment of sin and destroys knowledge and realization. - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 41
Teachings From Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Karma Yog
Lord Krishna in this chapter emphasises that the enlightened spirits, unlike the rest of humanity, are not required to carry out their bodily tasks. They are in a position of self-knowledge and carry out higher duties for the soul. However, they avoid neglecting their social obligations because doing so could upset the minds of ordinary people who look to them for motivation. Due to this, the smart continue to work without any ulterior motives other than to serve as positive role models for others, as opposed to the ignorant who might prematurely quit their assigned tasks. Hence, it is important to always carry out one’s prescribed duties to win in life.