Topic

Responsibility

7 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on responsibility. Explore teachings across 2 chapters.

All Verses

Niyatam kuru karma tvam karma jyayo hy akarmanah, sharira-yatrapi ca te na prasiddhyed akarmanah

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.

  • Action is better than inaction
  • Even survival requires action
  • Fulfill your responsibilities
Niyatam kuru karma tvam karma jyayo hy akarmanah, sharira-yatrapi ca te na prasiddhyed akarmanah

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.

  • Action is better than inaction
  • Even survival requires action
  • Fulfill your responsibilities
Niyatam kuru karma tvam karma jyayo hy akarmanah, sharira-yatrapi ca te na prasiddhyed akarmanah

Perform your prescribed duty, for action is better than inaction. Even the maintenance of your physical body cannot be achieved without action.

  • Duty must be performed
  • Action is superior to inaction
  • Even basic survival requires work
Yad yad acarati shresthas tat tad evetaro janah, sa yat pramanam kurute lokas tad anuvartate

Whatever action a great person performs, common people follow. And whatever standards they set by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.

  • Leaders set examples for others
  • Actions speak louder than words
  • Responsibility of those in position
Yad yad acarati shreshtas tat tad evetaro janah, sa yat pramanam kurute lokas tad anuvartate

Whatever action a great person performs, common people follow. And whatever standards they set by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.

  • Leaders set examples for society
  • Your actions influence others
  • Responsibility of leadership
Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet, atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah

Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, and not degrade yourself. The mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the self.

  • Self-mastery is essential
  • The mind can uplift or destroy
  • Take responsibility for your own growth
Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet, atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah

Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, and not degrade yourself, for the mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the self.

  • Mind can be friend or enemy
  • Self-elevation through mental discipline
  • Take responsibility for your state