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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 ›
Bhakti & surrenderChapter 3 · Karma-yoga
3.313.33

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 3.32

Dedicate action to Krishna

Īśvara · God

ये त्वेतदभ्यसूयन्तो नानुतिष्ठन्ति मे मतम् ।

सर्वज्ञानविमूढांस्तान्विद्धि नष्टानचेतसः ॥ ३२ ॥

ye tv etad abhyasūyanto

nānutiṣṭhanti me matam

sarva-jñāna-vimūḍhāṁs tān

viddhi naṣṭān acetasaḥ

Translation

But those who, out of envy, disregard these teachings and do not follow them regularly are to be considered bereft of all knowledge, befooled, and ruined in their endeavors for perfection.

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

Follow Kṛṣṇa’s Teachings

  1. 1

    Those who reject these teachings out of envy and do not follow them regularly lack knowledge and fail to reach perfection.

  2. 2

    Prabhupāda explains that disobeying the Supreme Lord brings punishment and leaves one ignorant of oneself and the Lord.

  3. 3

    Follow Kṛṣṇa’s teachings regularly rather than reject them out of envy.

Key points from the purport

Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them

Fate of disobedient persons

Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled

Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

a

Analogy for ‘Disobedience’ — As there is punishment for disobedience to the order of the supreme executive head, similarly there is punishment for disobedience to the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead

b

What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart

Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’

Connected verses · 1

Texts 3.32 & 3.33

Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king? ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse)

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. yethose
  2. tuhowever
  3. etatthis
  4. abhyasūyantaḥout of envy
  5. nado not
  6. anutiṣṭhantiregularly perform
  7. meMy
  8. mataminjunction
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: bhakti, śaraṇāgati.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 3.32 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to bhakti & surrender?

Practice

Offer one act today with devotion.

5

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 3.30Offer every action to KrishnaBG 3.31Dedicate action to KrishnaBG 6.47The highest yogi is devotedBG 8.7Remember Krishna and fight
Live this todayOffer Your Duties to KṛṣṇaA practice from BG 3.30, close to this verse

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

  1. Learn
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  3. Lead
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