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Chapter 3 · Karma-yoga · 43 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.

Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›

Soul & knowledgeChapter 3 · Karma-yoga

3.16 3.18

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 3.17

Self-realization and freedom from selfish need

Jīva · The soul

यस्त्वात्मरतिरेव स्यादात्मतृप्त‍श्च मानवः ।

आत्मन्येव च सन्तुष्टस्तस्य कार्यं न विद्यते ॥ १७ ॥

yas tv ātma-ratir eva syād

ātma-tṛptaś ca mānavaḥ

ātmany eva ca santuṣṭas

tasya kāryaṁ na vidyate

Translation

But for one who takes pleasure in the Self, whose human life is one of self-realization, and who is satisfied in the Self only, fully satiated – for him there is no duty.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Satisfied in the Self

1
One who takes pleasure in the Self and is fully satisfied in self-realization has no duty to perform.
2
Prabhupāda explains that full Kṛṣṇa consciousness cleanses all impiety and makes one sure of one’s eternal relationship with the Supreme.
3
By the Lord’s grace, such a person’s duty becomes clear, and material pleasures no longer attract them.

Key points from the purport

These notes cover verses 3.17–18

Self-realized soul is free from all material duties — Yes, one with no material desires and who is already purified has no need of material duties nor has he any aversion to them