Bhagavad Gita · Verse 3.16
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
एवं प्रवर्तितं चक्रं नानुवर्तयतीह यः । अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति ॥१६॥
evaṃ pravartitaṃ cakraṃ nānuvartayatīha yaḥ | aghāyurindriyārāmo moghaṃ pārtha sa jīvati ||16||
Complete Shloka Translation
Partha, one who does not participate in the cycle thus set in motion, living wrongly and delighting only in the senses, lives in vain.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| चक्रम् | cakram | cycle |
| इन्द्रियारामः | indriyārāmaḥ | delighting in the senses |
| एवं | evaṃ | [term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti... |
| प्रवर्तितं | pravartitaṃ | [term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti... |
| चक्रं | cakraṃ | [term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti... |
| नानुवर्तयतीह | nānuvartayatīha | [term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti... |
| यः | yaḥ | [term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti... |
| अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो | aghāyurindriyārāmo | [term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti... |
| मोघं | moghaṃ | [term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti... |
| पार्थ | pārtha | [term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti... |
| जीवति | sa | [term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti... |
| १६ | jīvati | [term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti... |
cycle
delighting in the senses
[term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti...
[term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti...
[term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti...
[term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti...
[term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti...
[term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti...
[term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti...
[term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti...
[term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti...
[term] in context of Partha, one who does not parti...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The cycle refers to 3.10–15, not every social custom. Its severe language challenges self-centered consumption within the religious argument about reciprocal action.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"The criticism is directed at enjoying the sustaining order without participating in it."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How do you participate in the systems that sustain you?
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.