Bhagavad Gita · Verse 3.19
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर । असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परामाप्नोति पुरुषः ॥१९॥
tasmādasaktaḥ satataṃ kāryaṃ karma samācara | asakto hyācarankarma parāmāpnoti puruṣaḥ ||19||
Complete Shloka Translation
Therefore, continually perform the action that ought to be done, without attachment. By acting without attachment, a person reaches the highest.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| तस्मात् | tasmāt | therefore |
| असक्तः | asaktaḥ | unattached / without craving |
| सततम् | satatam | always / continuously |
| कार्यम् | kāryam | obligatory / prescribed |
| कर्म | karma | action |
| समाचर | samācara | perform thoroughly |
| असक्तः | asaktaḥ | unattached |
| हि | hi | indeed / certainly |
| आचरन् कर्म | ācaran karma | performing action |
| परम् | param | the Supreme Reality / Liberation |
| आप्नोति | āpnoti | attains |
| पूरुषः | pūruṣaḥ | a human being |
therefore
unattached / without craving
always / continuously
obligatory / prescribed
action
perform thoroughly
unattached
indeed / certainly
performing action
the Supreme Reality / Liberation
attains
a human being
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna returns from the realized person's condition to Arjuna's practice. Param, the highest, is interpreted spiritually rather than as maximum worldly achievement.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Nonattachment changes how duty is performed, rather than removing the duty."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What responsibility can you carry out with less attachment today?
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.