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Chapter3
Karma-yoga · 43 verses
Karma-yoga
Perform your duty for Kṛṣṇa without attachment to results.
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Verse notes
Every verse in simple words, from Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Tap a verse to study it in depth.
BG 3.1Arjuna Asks About Action
Study this verse- Arjuna asks why Kṛṣṇa wants him to fight in such terrible warfare if intelligence is better than work for results.
- Prabhupāda explains that Arjuna mistook Kṛṣṇa consciousness for withdrawal from active life and wanted to use it to avoid fighting.
- Like Arjuna, sincerely ask for guidance rather than use Kṛṣṇa consciousness as an excuse to avoid action.
BG 3.2Asking for Clear Guidance
Study this verse- Arjuna feels confused by the instructions and asks for a clear answer about what is best for him.
- Prabhupāda explains that Arjuna’s questions clarify the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness for all serious students.
- When confused, ask questions to understand the path clearly and know how to act.
BG 3.3Two Paths to Self-Realization
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says that some seek to understand the self through philosophy, while others do so through devotional service.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate goal. Devotional service is the better path because it directly connects us with Kṛṣṇa and purifies us.
- Depend on Kṛṣṇa and connect your activities with Him to help bring your senses under control.
BG 3.4Purification Before Renunciation
Study this verse- Simply avoiding work does not free one from its reactions, and renunciation alone does not bring perfection.
- Prabhupāda explains that prescribed duties purify the heart. Without this purification, entering renounced life cannot succeed.
- Begin serving the Lord. He accepts even small progress in His service, which helps one overcome great difficulties.
BG 3.5The Soul Is Always Active
Study this verse- Everyone is forced to act by the qualities acquired from material nature; no one can stop acting, even for a moment.
- Prabhupāda explains that the soul is always active and makes the body move. The goal of purification is Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Engage your activity in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Even imperfect devotional service brings no loss.
BG 3.6Avoid a Show of Restraint
Study this verse- One who controls outward actions but keeps thinking of sense enjoyment deceives himself and is a pretender.
- Prabhupāda explains that a show of meditation has no value when one avoids work in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and seeks sense enjoyment.
- Follow the rules and duties of your position to gradually purify your life, rather than pretend to be a yogī.
BG 3.7Sincere Work in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
Study this verse- A sincere person who controls the senses with the mind and works in Kṛṣṇa consciousness without attachment is far superior.
- Prabhupāda explains that sincere, regulated service—even while doing one’s regular work—helps one become free from material bondage and reach Viṣṇu.
- Continue your duties without attachment, control your senses, and sincerely serve Kṛṣṇa rather than make a show of spirituality.
BG 3.8Perform Your Prescribed Duty
Study this verse- Do your prescribed duty: work is better than inaction, and even the body needs work to survive.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa wanted Arjuna to do his duties, which gradually purify the heart, rather than pretend to renounce work.
- Carry out your duties instead of giving up work and depending on others while material desires remain.
BG 3.9Work for Viṣṇu’s Satisfaction
Study this verse- Perform your prescribed duties to satisfy Viṣṇu; otherwise, work binds you to the material world.
- Prabhupāda explains that both good and evil work have binding reactions, but work in Kṛṣṇa consciousness brings freedom.
- Work to please Kṛṣṇa, not to satisfy your senses, under the expert guidance of His devotee.
BG 3.10Sacrifice for Viṣṇu
Study this verse- At creation, the Lord gave humans and demigods sacrifices for Viṣṇu, promising happiness and liberation through them.
- Prabhupāda explains that sacrifice helps souls become Kṛṣṇa conscious and return home to Godhead.
- Chant the names of God—the sacrifice recommended for this Age of Kali.
BG 3.11Cooperation Through Sacrifice
Study this verse- Sacrifices please the demigods, who in turn please people. This cooperation brings prosperity for all.
- Prabhupāda explains that demigods manage material supplies, but Lord Viṣṇu is the chief beneficiary of every sacrifice.
- Make pleasing the Lord the purpose of sacrifice. Sacrifice purifies life and leads to Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 3.12Using the Lord’s Gifts
Study this verse- Demigods satisfied by sacrifice supply life’s necessities. Anyone who enjoys these gifts without offering to them in return is a thief.
- Prabhupāda explains that demigods supply necessities on behalf of the Supreme Lord, Viṣṇu. All prescribed sacrifices are ultimately offered to Him.
- Use the Lord’s supplies to stay healthy and pursue self-realization, not merely to satisfy your senses.
BG 3.13Offer Food to the Lord
Study this verse- Devotees who eat food first offered in sacrifice are freed from all sins. Those who cook for their own enjoyment eat only sin.
- Prabhupāda explains that devotees love Kṛṣṇa and offer everything to Him before accepting it. Their devotional service protects them from sinful contamination.
- Before eating, offer your food to Kṛṣṇa rather than preparing it only for your own enjoyment.
BG 3.14Food, Sacrifice, and Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- All living bodies depend on food grains, grains on rain, rain on sacrifice, and sacrifice on prescribed duties.
- Prabhupāda explains that worshiping Kṛṣṇa also satisfies the demigods, who serve Him by managing material affairs.
- Offer food to Kṛṣṇa before eating. Accepting this food, called prasādam, removes past sinful reactions and protects against material contamination.
BG 3.15Work to Please Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- The Vedas prescribe regulated work and come directly from the Supreme Lord, who is always present in acts of sacrifice.
- Prabhupāda explains that the Vedas guide us to work only for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction and avoid sinful work and its reactions.
- Follow Vedic guidance and become Kṛṣṇa conscious to return home, back to Godhead.
BG 3.16Sacrifice and Life’s Purpose
Study this verse- Those who ignore the Vedic cycle of sacrifice and live only for sense pleasure lead sinful, wasted lives.
- Prabhupāda explains that human life is meant for self-realization. Sacrifice purifies those seeking sense pleasure and leads toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Do not stop at merely following moral rules; aim to become Kṛṣṇa conscious.
BG 3.17Satisfied in the Self
Study this verse- One who takes pleasure in the Self and is fully satisfied in self-realization has no duty to perform.
- Prabhupāda explains that full Kṛṣṇa consciousness cleanses all impiety and makes one sure of one’s eternal relationship with the Supreme.
- By the Lord’s grace, such a person’s duty becomes clear, and material pleasures no longer attract them.
BG 3.18Self-Realized Life and Duty
Study this verse- A self-realized person has nothing to gain from prescribed duties, no reason to avoid them, and no need to depend on others.
- Prabhupāda explains that only activities in Kṛṣṇa consciousness remain obligatory; these activities fully meet such a person's obligations.
- Stay active in Kṛṣṇa consciousness—it does not mean doing nothing.
BG 3.19Act Without Attachment
Study this verse- Do your duty without attachment to the results; such work leads to the Supreme.
- Prabhupāda explains that working for Kṛṣṇa under proper guidance, without attachment, brings progress toward life's supreme goal.
- Act for Kṛṣṇa, rather than for the results you want.
BG 3.20Teach Through Your Duties
Study this verse- Kings like Janaka attained perfection by performing prescribed duties. You should also work to teach others.
- Prabhupāda explains that Janaka was self-realized and a great devotee, yet performed his duties to set an example.
- Perform your duties responsibly, helping others learn how to live and act.
BG 3.21Lead by Good Example
Study this verse- People follow the actions and standards set by great leaders.
- Prabhupāda explains that teachers must follow scripture themselves before teaching others.
- For spiritual progress, follow the example of great devotees who live by scripture.
BG 3.22The Lord Still Performs Duties
Study this verse- The Lord has no required work or anything to gain in the three planetary systems, yet He performs prescribed duties.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Lord, complete in all riches and powers. No one is equal to or greater than Him.
- Although Kṛṣṇa is above scriptural rules, He never acts against them.
BG 3.23Kṛṣṇa Sets the Example
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says that if He stopped carefully performing prescribed duties, everyone would follow His example.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa followed religious rules to establish religion, though He Himself was not bound by them.
- Follow prescribed duties to help maintain peace in society and support progress in spiritual life.
BG 3.24Follow Kṛṣṇa, Do Not Imitate
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says that if He neglected prescribed duties, the worlds would be ruined, unwanted population would arise, and all beings would lose their peace.
- Prabhupāda explains that prescribed rules help society become peaceful and organized for spiritual progress. Kṛṣṇa upholds these rules.
- Follow Kṛṣṇa’s instructions, but do not try to imitate His extraordinary actions.
BG 3.25Act Without Attachment
Study this verse- The learned do their duties without attachment to results, guiding others on the right path.
- Prabhupāda explains that similar actions can serve different desires: pleasing one's senses or pleasing Kṛṣṇa.
- Set an example by acting to please Kṛṣṇa and using the results for Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 3.26Guide Others Through Devotion
Study this verse- A learned person should not make those attached to work’s rewards stop working, but guide them through devotional work toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Prabhupāda explains that all Vedic rituals aim at understanding Kṛṣṇa, the ultimate goal of life.
- Set an example by dedicating the results of your work to Kṛṣṇa’s service, without disturbing others in their activities.
BG 3.27False Ego and Action
Study this verse- Misled by false ego, the soul thinks he performs actions actually carried out by the three modes of material nature.
- Prabhupāda explains that material nature works under Kṛṣṇa’s supervision; we do not act independently.
- Use your body and mind in Kṛṣṇa’s service rather than taking all credit for your actions.
BG 3.28Knowing Our Place in Devotion
Study this verse- One who knows the Absolute Truth avoids sense pleasure, understanding the difference between devotional work and work for personal rewards.
- Prabhupāda explains that we are parts of Kṛṣṇa, meant to serve Him. Kṛṣṇa consciousness naturally brings freedom from attachment to temporary sense activities.
- Engage your activities in Kṛṣṇa’s service, and see material difficulties as His mercy.
BG 3.29Do Not Unsettle Others
Study this verse- People confused by material nature’s modes become attached to material work. The wise should not unsettle them.
- Prabhupāda explains that they mistake the body for the self. Yet compassionate devotees risk approaching them to share Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which is essential for human life.
- Continue your own spiritual activities quietly, without agitating people absorbed in material life.
BG 3.30Offer Your Work to Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna to surrender all work to Him with full knowledge of Him, seeking no profit, claiming no ownership, and fighting without laziness.
- Prabhupāda explains that our eternal position is to depend on and obey Kṛṣṇa. Everything belongs to the Supreme Lord.
- Carry out your duties for Kṛṣṇa without claiming anything as yours or expecting personal rewards. Such work leads toward liberation.
BG 3.31Faithfully Follow Kṛṣṇa’s Teachings
Study this verse- Those who do their duties according to Kṛṣṇa’s teachings, faithfully and without envy, become free from the bondage of actions done for results.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa’s instructions are eternally true. Even someone unable to follow them fully becomes free from karma through firm faith.
- Keep trying sincerely to follow Kṛṣṇa’s instructions without resentment or hopelessness. This leads to pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 3.32Follow Kṛṣṇa’s Teachings
Study this verse- Those who reject these teachings out of envy and do not follow them regularly lack knowledge and fail to reach perfection.
- Prabhupāda explains that disobeying the Supreme Lord brings punishment and leaves one ignorant of oneself and the Lord.
- Follow Kṛṣṇa’s teachings regularly rather than reject them out of envy.
BG 3.33Nature and Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
Study this verse- Even a person with knowledge follows the nature acquired from the three modes. Mere repression cannot change this.
- Prabhupāda explains that learning alone cannot free us from material nature, but Kṛṣṇa consciousness can.
- Rather than suddenly giving up your duties, continue them and seek Kṛṣṇa consciousness under proper guidance.
BG 3.34Freedom from Sense Attachment
Study this verse- Do not let attachment or aversion to sense objects control you; both block self-realization.
- Prabhupāda explains that scriptural rules limit sense enjoyment, but loving service to Kṛṣṇa frees us from sense attachment.
- Follow scriptural rules without becoming attached to permitted enjoyment, and stay engaged in Kṛṣṇa’s loving service.
BG 3.35Follow Your Own Duty
Study this verse- Doing your own prescribed duty imperfectly—even facing death—is better than doing another’s duty perfectly. Following another’s path is dangerous.
- Prabhupāda explains that one should follow authorized guidance and perform one’s prescribed duties in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Do not imitate others’ duties. Follow the duties given for your situation, knowing that cleansing the heart is a gradual process.
BG 3.36What Drives Sinful Actions?
Study this verse- Arjuna asks what forces a person to act sinfully, even against their will.
- Prabhupāda explains that the soul is originally pure and part of the Supreme, but contact with material nature leads to sinful acts.
- The Supersoul does not cause sinful actions. The Lord explains their cause in the next verse.
BG 3.37Lust and Its Transformation
Study this verse- The Lord says lust is born from the mode of passion, turns into anger, and is the world's all-devouring sinful enemy.
- Prabhupāda explains that love for Kṛṣṇa becomes lust through material contact. Unsatisfied lust leads to anger and illusion, keeping us bound to material life.
- Learn to desire everything for Kṛṣṇa. When used for His satisfaction, lust and anger become friends instead of enemies.
BG 3.38Lust Covers Pure Consciousness
Study this verse- Lust covers the living being in different degrees, like smoke over fire, dust on a mirror, and the womb around an embryo.
- Prabhupāda explains that lust hides pure consciousness. Human life offers a chance to conquer lust by developing Kṛṣṇa consciousness under able guidance.
- Chant the holy names of the Lord—the best process for cleansing the mirror of the mind.
BG 3.39Lust Covers Pure Consciousness
Study this verse- Lust is the living entity’s eternal enemy. It covers pure consciousness and burns like a fire that is never satisfied.
- Prabhupāda explains that sense enjoyment feeds lust like fuel feeds fire, keeping the living entity bound in the material world.
- Do not expect sense enjoyment to satisfy lust; its apparent happiness strengthens this enemy.
BG 3.40Where Lust Takes Hold
Study this verse- Lust sits in the senses, mind and intelligence, covering real knowledge and causing confusion.
- Prabhupāda explains that lust leads the soul to identify with matter and mistake sense enjoyment for true happiness.
- To overcome lust, watch for its influence in your senses, mind and intelligence.
BG 3.41Turn Lust into Love
Study this verse- Regulate the senses from the beginning to overcome lust, which destroys knowledge and self-realization.
- Prabhupāda explains that we are spirit souls, not bodies, and parts of the Lord meant to serve Him. Lust is a distorted reflection of our natural love for God.
- Begin regulating your senses through devotional service in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Even a late beginner can turn lust into love of God.
BG 3.42The Soul Above the Senses
Study this verse- The senses are above dull matter, the mind above the senses, intelligence above the mind, and the soul above intelligence.
- Prabhupāda explains that when the soul serves Kṛṣṇa directly, the intelligence, mind and senses naturally become engaged in His service.
- Use your intelligence to keep your mind in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, surrendering fully to Him.
BG 3.43Conquering Lust Through Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
Study this verse- Know yourself as beyond the material senses, mind and intelligence. Steady the mind through Kṛṣṇa consciousness and conquer lust by spiritual strength.
- Prabhupāda explains that we are eternal servants of the Supreme Lord. Kṛṣṇa consciousness helps us control the senses, mind and intelligence.
- Continue your prescribed duties while gradually developing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, rather than suddenly giving up work.
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Stories
The Mahābhārata background, and stories Prabhupāda tells in his purports. Tap one to read it.