Topic

Work

3 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on work. Explore teachings across 1 chapter.

All Verses

Chapter 3 • Verse 4 →The Yoga of Action
Na karmanam anarambhan naishkarmyam purusho 'shnute, na ca sannyasanad eva siddhim samadhigacchati

Not by abstaining from action does one attain freedom from action. Nor by mere renunciation does one attain perfection.

  • •Action is necessary for spiritual growth
  • •Renunciation doesn't mean inaction
  • •Work intelligently, don't avoid it
actionkarma yogarenunciationperfection
Chapter 3 • Verse 8 →The Yoga of Action
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
dutyactionkarmadharma
Chapter 3 • Verse 9 →The Yoga of Action
Yajna-arthat karmano 'nyatra loko 'yam karma-bandhanah, tad-artham karma kaunteya mukta-sangah samachara

Work must be done as a sacrifice to the Supreme; otherwise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform your duties for His satisfaction, and you will be free from bondage.

  • •Dedicate all work to the divine
  • •Work without dedication creates bondage
  • •Freedom through sacred action
sacrificededicationfreedomdivine offering