Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3
कर्मयोग — Karma Yoga
The Yoga of Action

Karma Yoga
Chapter Overview
Chapter 3 elaborates on the path of selfless action. Krishna explains why action is superior to inaction, how to perform duties without attachment, and the cosmic order sustained by righteous action. He teaches that true renunciation lies not in abandoning work but in performing it without selfish motives.
Core Themes in This Chapter
Key Verses in Chapter 3
All Verses in Chapter 3(43 available)
When faced with apparent contradictions between wisdom and demanded action, seek deeper clarity to understand the integrated path forward, transforming doubt into purposeful engagement.
Cut through confusion by seeking clear, definitive guidance and committing to a singular, purposeful path that leads directly to your highest good.
There are distinct, valid paths of knowledge and action for spiritual growth; understanding and choosing the one aligned with your temperament and stage of development is essential for effective progress and inner harmony.
True liberation and inner peace come from mastering the mind and acting with wisdom and detachment, not merely from avoiding external activity or superficial renunciation.
You are perpetually engaged in action, propelled by the inherent qualities of nature; true wisdom lies not in escaping action, but in understanding and transcending its involuntary grip through conscious awareness.
True self-mastery demands aligning your mind with your actions; mere external restraint without internal mental discipline is self-delusion and hypocrisy.
True excellence and inner freedom are achieved through disciplined, detached action, where the mind directs the senses to perform duties without craving for their fruits.
Perform your duties diligently, for purposeful action is not merely superior to inaction, but indispensable for growth, well-being, and the very sustenance of your existence.
Act selflessly, dedicating your efforts to a higher purpose without attachment to results, to experience true freedom and inner peace.
Engage in purposeful contribution (yajna) to the world, for this inherent duty is the foundation for human flourishing, sustainable growth, and the fulfillment of all righteous desires.
Engage in reciprocal contribution; giving generously and receiving openly creates a virtuous cycle of mutual well-being and spiritual elevation.
To live a fulfilling and ethical life, acknowledge the sources of your sustenance and contribute back to the systems that nourish you. To take without giving is to be a thief of existence.
Actions performed with a spirit of selfless contribution and shared benefit lead to liberation and well-being, while purely self-serving actions bind one to negative consequences and inner emptiness.
Every action, when performed with awareness of its interconnectedness and as a selfless contribution, fuels the cosmic cycle and sustains all life.
All purposeful action originates from the universal cosmic order and the Divine, achieving its true meaning and sustaining existence when performed as selfless service.
To live a life of purpose and true fulfillment, actively contribute to the interconnected world, uphold your duties, and transcend selfish desires for sensory indulgence.
True fulfillment and liberation from the endless cycle of doing come from finding complete joy and contentment within the Self.
True freedom and lasting contentment are found in cultivating inner independence, free from attachment to external actions, their results, or the validation of others.
Perform your prescribed duties with unwavering dedication but without attachment to the fruits of your labor, for this path leads to ultimate fulfillment and liberation.
Even the enlightened act tirelessly, not for themselves, but to uplift humanity and demonstrate the path of purposeful action and social responsibility.
The actions and standards set by those in positions of influence profoundly shape the behavior and moral compass of society. Lead consciously, for others will follow.
Act diligently and selflessly, especially as a leader, not for personal gain or unfulfilled desire, but to uphold righteousness and set an inspiring example for all.
Those in positions of influence must lead by diligent, unwearied action, as their behavior profoundly shapes the conduct and collective energy of others, preventing stagnation and inspiring purpose.
Your actions, particularly as an individual with influence, are vital for maintaining order, inspiring others, and preventing societal chaos. Act diligently and responsibly.
Act skillfully and selflessly, not for personal reward, but to set a noble example and uplift the world through your detached and purposeful actions.
Influence wisely through consistent, selfless action and patient understanding, fostering growth without disruptive criticism or judgment.
Release the ego's delusion of doership; all actions are nature's play. Find freedom and peace in this truth.
True wisdom lies in understanding that all actions and experiences are the interplay of Gunas, leading to non-attachment and freedom from their binding effects.
The truly wise guide with patience and discernment, recognizing others' stages of growth and refraining from unsettling their current beliefs or motivations, thereby preventing inertia and fostering gradual evolution.
Perform your duties with selfless dedication, centered in your true self, free from attachment to outcomes or ego, and maintain inner calm in the face of all challenges.
Consistent, faithful, and non-judgmental adherence to righteous principles is the path to inner freedom and liberation from life's burdens.
To dismiss profound wisdom and fail to integrate it into action leads to spiritual blindness and inevitable downfall.
True mastery isn't achieved by brute-force suppression, but by understanding your inherent nature and transcending the powerful influence of your likes and dislikes.
Recognize attachment and aversion as internal adversaries. Master your reactions to sensory experiences to gain true freedom and inner peace.
Live your authentic truth; even an imperfect commitment to your own path is superior and safer than flawlessly imitating another's.
Arjuna's fundamental question explores what internal or external force compels individuals to act against their own conscience and commit undesirable actions, making them feel like puppets of an unseen power.
Unchecked desire and its angry offshoots are the true internal enemies, constantly feeding dissatisfaction and leading to unwholesome actions; conquer them to attain genuine peace and clarity.
Desire, like a veil of smoke or dust, obscures our inner wisdom and true self, preventing clarity, genuine contentment, and the realization of our inherent nature.
Uncontrolled desire, like an unquenchable fire, relentlessly obstructs wisdom and inner peace, leading to perpetual dissatisfaction. Recognize and master this inner enemy.
Your senses, mind, and intellect are the battleground where desire obscures your wisdom. Master these internal faculties to see clearly, make conscious choices, and overcome delusion.
First master your senses to conquer destructive desires, thereby preserving and deepening true knowledge and realization.
Master your senses, mind, and intellect to realize the supreme Self within, the ultimate source of wisdom, control, and lasting peace, allowing you to live a life of conscious purpose.
Recognize your higher Self, discipline your lower mind, and relentlessly conquer desire to attain true freedom and inner mastery.
Who Should Read This Chapter?
- Working professionals seeking purpose
- Those confused between action and inaction
- People wanting to serve without ego
- Leaders seeking ethical guidance