Bhagavad Gita · Verse 3.25
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
सक्ताः कर्मण्यविद्वांसो यथा कुर्वन्ति भारत । कुर्याद्विद्वांस्तथासक्तश्चिकीर्षुर्लोकसङ्ग्रहम् ॥२५॥
saktāḥ karmaṇyavidvāṃso yathā kurvanti bhārata | kuryādvidvāṃstathāsaktaścikīrṣurlokasaṅgraham ||25||
Complete Shloka Translation
As those without understanding act with attachment, Bharata, so the person of understanding should act without attachment, wishing to sustain the world.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| विद्वान् | vidvān | one who understands |
| चिकीर्षुः | cikīrṣuḥ | wishing to do or bring about |
| सक्ताः | saktāḥ | [term] in context of As those without understanding... |
| कर्मण्यविद्वांसो | karmaṇyavidvāṃso | [term] in context of As those without understanding... |
| यथा | yathā | [term] in context of As those without understanding... |
| कुर्वन्ति | kurvanti | [term] in context of As those without understanding... |
| भारत | bhārata | [term] in context of As those without understanding... |
| कुर्याद्विद्वांस्तथासक्तश्चिकीर्षुर्लोकसङ्ग्रहम् | kuryādvidvāṃstathāsaktaścikīrṣurlokasaṅgraham | [term] in context of As those without understanding... |
| २५ | kuryādvidvāṃstathāsaktaścikīrṣurlokasaṅgraham | [term] in context of As those without understanding... |
one who understands
wishing to do or bring about
[term] in context of As those without understanding...
[term] in context of As those without understanding...
[term] in context of As those without understanding...
[term] in context of As those without understanding...
[term] in context of As those without understanding...
[term] in context of As those without understanding...
[term] in context of As those without understanding...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The contrast lies in attachment and understanding, not necessarily in the visible task. Loka-sangraha gives the wise person's continued activity a shared purpose.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Similar outward work can be guided by very different motives."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How might the same task look different when guided by contribution rather than attachment?
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.