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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 ›

Duty & actionChapter 3 · Karma-yoga

3.25 3.27

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 3.26

Exemplary action and leadership by example

Karma · Action

न बुद्धिभेदं जनयेदज्ञानां कर्मसङ्गिनाम् ।

जोषयेत्सर्वकर्माणि विद्वान्युक्तः समाचरन् ॥ २६ ॥

na buddhi-bhedaṁ janayed

ajñānāṁ karma-saṅginām

joṣayet sarva-karmāṇi

vidvān yuktaḥ samācaran

Translation

So as not to disrupt the minds of ignorant men attached to the fruitive results of prescribed duties, a learned person should not induce them to stop work. Rather, by working in the spirit of devotion, he should engage them in all sorts of activities [for the gradual development of Kṛṣṇa consciousness].

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

Guide Others Through Devotion

1
A learned person should not make those attached to work’s rewards stop working, but guide them through devotional work toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
2
Prabhupāda explains that all Vedic rituals aim at understanding Kṛṣṇa, the ultimate goal of life.
3
Set an example by dedicating the results of your work to Kṛṣṇa’s service, without disturbing others in their activities.

Connected verses · 1

Texts 3.25 & 3.26

If a person in knowledge is expected to set an example, then why

don’t they set an example of renunciation? ANSWER — Most people are not qualified to follow the example of renunciation. If an attached person renounces worldly responsibilities, he will eventually try to fulfill desires through irresponsible means