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Chapter 3 · Karma-yoga · 43 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.
Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›
Duty & actionChapter 3 · Karma-yoga
3.193.21

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 3.20

Exemplary action and leadership by example

Karma · Action

कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः ।

लोकसङ्ग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि ॥ २० ॥

karmaṇaiva hi saṁsiddhim

āsthitā janakādayaḥ

loka-saṅgraham evāpi

sampaśyan kartum arhasi

Translation

Kings such as Janaka attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties. Therefore, just for the sake of educating the people in general, you should perform your work.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

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

3 study points

Teach Through Your Duties

  1. 1

    Kings like Janaka attained perfection by performing prescribed duties. You should also work to teach others.

  2. 2

    Prabhupāda explains that Janaka was self-realized and a great devotee, yet performed his duties to set an example.

  3. 3

    Perform your duties responsibly, helping others learn how to live and act.

Key points from the purport

Example of perfection achieved by a leader by performance of prescribed duties

Kings such as Janaka attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties

Therefore perform your work just for educating the people in general

a

Why Janak Maharaja had no obligation for Vedic prescribed duties — Because he was a self- realized soul

b

Why still he performed his prescribed duties

Just to set an example

As the King of Mithila, he had to teach his subjects how to perform prescribed duties

c

Another example quotes by Srila Prabhupada to emphasize the need for prescribed duties – Krishna and Arjuna fought on the battlefield to teach people in general that “violence is necessary where good arguments fail”

d

How experienced persons in Krishna consciousness act

Without any interest in the world; still works to teach the public how to live and how to act

Experienced persons act in such a way that others will follow

Further reading

Niskama-Karma To Set Correct Example

Dutifully acting without attachment sets the correct example for others, who are less advanced

Chapter 3, section IV: Niskama-Karma To Set Correct Example
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. karmaṇāby work
  2. evaeven
  3. hicertainly
  4. saṁsiddhimin perfection
  5. āsthitāḥsituated
  6. janaka-ādayaḥJanaka and other kings
  7. loka-saṅgrahamthe people in general
  8. eva apialso
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: karma, sva-dharma.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 3.20 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to duty & action?

Practice

Do one task today purely because it is right.

5

The story behind it

Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.

All stories for chapter 3 ›
6

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 3.19Exemplary action and leadership by exampleBG 3.21Leadership by exampleBG 2.47Responsibility without ownership of outcomes
Live this todayAct for Kṛṣṇa Without AttachmentA practice from BG 3.19, close to this verse

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 4 of 9 · 10 minChapters & storiesGo chapter by chapter, with the Mahābhārata stories that explain what is happening.Back · LearnPrabhupāda's Introduction