Karma Yoga
The Yoga of Action
This chapter elaborates on Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action. Krishna explains that action is inevitable and necessary for the maintenance of the world. He emphasizes that actions should be performed as a sacrifice, without personal desire, to achieve spiritual liberation.
न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत् | कार्यते ह्यवशः कर्म सर्वः प्रकृतिजैर्गुणैः ||5||
No one can remain without action even for a moment. Indeed, all beings are compelled to act by the qualities of material nature (gunas).
Transliteration
na hi kaśhchit kṣhaṇam api jātu tiṣhṭhaty-akarma-kṛit | kāryate hyavaśhaḥ karma sarvaḥ prakṛiti-jair guṇaiḥ ||5||
Commentary
Krishna refutes the idea that one can achieve liberation by simply abstaining from action. He explains that the very nature of existence, governed by the three gunas (modes of material nature), compels all beings to act. Therefore, the path is not inaction, but right action.
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् | स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः ||35||
It is far better to perform one's own prescribed duties, even if imperfectly, than to perform another's prescribed duties perfectly. Death in the performance of one's own duty is better, for to follow another's path is dangerous.
Transliteration
śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt | swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ ||35||
Commentary
This verse stresses the importance of following one's own 'dharma' or natural duty. It advises against imitating others' paths, as authentic spiritual growth comes from fulfilling one's own unique role and responsibilities in the world, even if faced with challenges.