Bhagavad Gita · Verse 3.8
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः । शरीरयात्रापि च ते न प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः ॥८॥
niyataṃ kuru karma tvaṃ karma jyāyo hyakarmaṇaḥ | śarīrayātrāpi ca te na prasiddhyedakarmaṇaḥ ||8||
Complete Shloka Translation
Perform the action that is yours to do; action is better than inaction. Even maintaining your body would not be possible without action.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| नियतम् | niyatam | required or appropriate |
| शरीरयात्रा | śarīrayātrā | maintenance of the body |
| नियतं | niyataṃ | [term] in context of Perform the action that is you... |
| कुरु | kuru | [term] in context of Perform the action that is you... |
| कर्म | karma | [term] in context of Perform the action that is you... |
| त्वं | tvaṃ | [term] in context of Perform the action that is you... |
| ज्यायो | jyāyo | [term] in context of Perform the action that is you... |
| ह्यकर्मणः | hyakarmaṇaḥ | [term] in context of Perform the action that is you... |
| शरीरयात्रापि | śarīrayātrāpi | [term] in context of Perform the action that is you... |
| ते | ca | [term] in context of Perform the action that is you... |
| प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः | te | [term] in context of Perform the action that is you... |
required or appropriate
maintenance of the body
[term] in context of Perform the action that is you...
[term] in context of Perform the action that is you...
[term] in context of Perform the action that is you...
[term] in context of Perform the action that is you...
[term] in context of Perform the action that is you...
[term] in context of Perform the action that is you...
[term] in context of Perform the action that is you...
[term] in context of Perform the action that is you...
[term] in context of Perform the action that is you...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Niyata karma points to required or appropriate work in context. Krishna grounds the need for action in the practical fact of bodily maintenance before discussing its spiritual orientation.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Ordinary bodily life itself depends on responsible activity."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which ordinary responsibilities sustain your daily 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.