Bhagavad Gita · Verse 3.1
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोगः)
(Arjuna said)
ज्यायसी चेत्कर्मणस्ते मता बुद्धिर्जनार्दन । तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसि केशव ॥१॥
jyāyasī cetkarmaṇaste matā buddhirjanārdana | tatkiṃ karmaṇi ghore māṃ niyojayasi keśava ||1||
Complete Shloka Translation
Arjuna said: Janardana, if you regard understanding as higher than action, why do you direct me toward this terrible action, Keshava?
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ज्यायसी | jyāyasī | superior / higher |
| चेत् | cet | if |
| कर्मणः | karmaṇaḥ | than action |
| ते | te | by You |
| मता | matā | considered / acknowledged |
| बुद्धिः | buddhiḥ | knowledge / discernment |
| जनार्दन | janārdana | O Krishna (protector of people) |
| तत् किम् | tat kim | then why |
| कर्मणि | karmaṇi | in action |
| घोरे | ghore | in this terrible warfare |
| माम् | mām | me |
| नियोजयसि | niyojayasi | do You engage / compel |
| केशव | keśava | O Keshava |
superior / higher
if
than action
by You
considered / acknowledged
knowledge / discernment
O Krishna (protector of people)
then why
in action
in this terrible warfare
me
do You engage / compel
O Keshava
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The question grows out of Chapter 2, where Krishna joined discernment with action. Terrible action refers to Arjuna's battle, not a description of every form of work.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Arjuna asks how the praise of understanding fits the demand to act."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What seems difficult to reconcile between understanding and action in your life?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse in your daily career and work life: discharge your responsibilities wholeheartedly as an act of service and social welfare, freeing your mind from selfish anxiety and burnout.