3-1

Arjuna said: O Janardana, O Keshava, why do You want to involve me in this terrible war if You consider that intelligence is better than action aimed at its fruits?

Explanation: In this verse, Arjuna expresses his incomprehension and doubt about Krishna's instructions. Arjuna has heard from Krishna that wisdom and contemplation are considered a higher spiritual path than action, and therefore he asks why Krishna is making him participate in a terrible battle, which seems contrary to the higher spiritual path. Arjuna addresses Krishna as Janardana (the protector of the people) and Keshava (the slayer of the demon Keshi, Vishnu), asking for an answer that would help him understand this apparent contradiction. This verse points to the inner doubt of man about what is the right path between action and wisdom.

3-2

With Your ambiguously worded instructions, You seem to be confusing my mind. Therefore, please tell me clearly what will be most beneficial for me.

Explanation: In this verse, Arjuna expresses his confusion and the feeling that his mind is lost. He points out that Krishna's words seem contradictory to him—on the one hand, wisdom and contemplation are emphasized, and on the other hand, action is put first. This contradiction confuses Arjuna, who is unable to understand which path to choose.

3-3

The Supreme Lord said: O sinless Arjuna, I have already explained that there are two classes of men who try to realize the self. Some are inclined to understand it by empirical, philosophical speculation, and others, by devotional service.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains the two spiritual paths that he has previously explained to people to help them achieve spiritual perfection. He addresses Arjuna as sinless, emphasizing Arjuna's purity and ability to follow these paths. • The path of knowledge is intended for the intelligent or intellectuals who seek enlightenment through knowledge and contemplation. This path is based on an internal understanding of oneself and the universe. • The path of action is intended for those who practice selfless action, completely renouncing attachment to the results. This path is suitable for those who are active in life and want to achieve spiritual perfection by acting selflessly.

3-4

Not by merely abstaining from work can one achieve freedom from reaction, nor by renunciation alone can one attain perfection.

Explanation: It is often thought that by abstaining from action or living passively, one can avoid action, but Krishna points out that perfection is not actually achieved only through passivity or renunciation, unless it is associated with inner understanding and selfless action. Perfection is achieved when a person understands how to act without attachment and without desire for the fruits of action, i.e., through action-spiritual discipline.

3-5

All men are forced to act helplessly according to the qualities they have acquired from the modes of material nature; therefore, no one can refrain from doing something, not even for a moment.

Explanation: The characteristics of human nature (the three modes of material nature—goodness, passion, and ignorance) cause him to act and be active constantly. Thus, action is an inevitable part of life, and avoiding actions in itself is not a solution on the spiritual path. Instead, it is important to understand how to act correctly without being bound by the fruits of action.

3-6

One who restrains the senses of action but whose mind dwells on sense objects certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that true self-control does not mean merely external abstinence from action. If a person controls their external actions, but their mind continues to be attached to sense objects (desires, objects of pleasure), they deceive themselves. Such an attitude is called hypocrisy, because outwardly he looks restrained, but inwardly his mind is still worried and immersed in worldly desires. This verse teaches that spiritual progress is possible only when both the senses and the mind are controlled. Only then can a person achieve true harmony and inner peace, rather than living in hypocrisy.

3-7

On the other hand, if a sincere person tries to control the active senses with his mind and begins the discipline of action-yoga without attachment, he is far superior.

Explanation: This verse teaches that true spiritual growth occurs when a person is able to control their senses and act selflessly, without attachment to the material. Only then can he achieve inner balance and spiritual perfection.

3-8

Perform your prescribed duty, for action is better than inaction. Even the maintenance of your body would not be possible without action.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna urges Arjuna to perform his prescribed duty and explains that action is better than inaction. Although abstinence from actions is sometimes emphasized in spiritual life, Krishna points out that action is necessary and important. Even maintaining the body requires action, and inaction does not benefit a person.

3-9

Work done as a sacrifice for the Supreme has to be performed; otherwise, work binds one to this material world. Therefore, O son of Kuntī, perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way you will always remain unattached.

Explanation: The concept of sacrifice here refers to selfless action and activity that is done for the sake of God or the entire society, and not for the satisfaction of personal desires. Krishna urges Arjuna to act free from attachment to the results and to perform his duties, viewing them as an offering dedicated to a higher purpose.

3-10

In the beginning of creation, the Lord of all beings created generations of men and demigods, along with sacrifices for Viṣṇu, and blessed them by saying, "Be thou happy by this yajña [sacrifice] because its performance will bestow upon you all desirable things."

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna refers to the original act of creation when the Creator created living beings along with the principle of sacrifice. Sacrifice here symbolizes action that is performed selflessly and dedicated to a higher purpose. The Creator said that by performing sacrifices (selfless actions), living beings will be able to multiply and live in prosperity. Sacrifice, or selfless action, harmonizes human desires with the Divine will, thus ensuring true fulfillment. This means that by performing their duties as sacrifices—selflessly and with Divine consciousness, people can achieve their goals and fulfill their desires in harmony with the Universe. This verse teaches that action as a sacrifice is important not only for personal well-being but also for the overall order and harmony of the world. Only when people perform their duties selflessly can they ensure prosperity for themselves and for all of society.

3-11

The demigods, being pleased by sacrifices, will also please you, and thus, by cooperation between men and the demigods, prosperity will reign for all.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains the principle of mutual cooperation and harmony between humans and Divine beings. By performing sacrifices and honoring the deities (which symbolize the forces of nature and cosmic energies), people receive Divine blessings. Thus, when people honor the Deities, the Deities bless them with prosperity and success. This system of mutual support means that people, by performing selfless sacrifices and maintaining harmony with the Deities, contribute to world order and balance. When humans and Deities cooperate mutually, everyone benefits most.

3-12

In charge of the various necessities of life, the demigods, being satisfied by the performance of yajña [sacrifice], will supply all necessities to you. But he who enjoys these gifts, without offering them in return, is certainly a thief.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes that Divine beings provide humans with the resources necessary for life (pleasures, means of sustenance) if they are honored with sacrifices. However, a person must act selflessly and give back some of these resources to the Deities (for example, through sacrifices or selfless actions). A thief is one who enjoys worldly blessings but does not give anything back to society or the Divine principle, thus violating the law of natural balance. This means that if a person enjoys worldly blessings but gives nothing back to society or the Divine principle, he acts selfishly and does not live in accordance with the principles of harmony.

3-13

The worshipers of the Lord are released from all kinds of sins because they eat food which is offered first for sacrifice. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that people who live selflessly and act according to the principle of sacrifice are freed from their sins. Those who participate in sacrifice and eat what remains from the offering (this symbolizes a selfless life and sharing with others) gain spiritual purity and freedom from the consequences of actions. Conversely, those who live only for themselves and prepare food or acquire resources only for their own benefit are sinners because they act egoistically. In this way of life, they actually eat only sin, which means that their actions contribute to negative actions and bind them to worldly suffering. This verse teaches that by living selflessly and sharing with others, a person can achieve spiritual purity and inner peace. Those who act egoistically inevitably accumulate negative actions that lead them to spiritual suffering.

3-14

All living bodies subsist on food grains, which are produced from rains. Rains are produced by performance of sacrifice [yajña], and sacrifice is born of prescribed duties.

Explanation: This verse teaches that the interdependence between actions and nature is important for maintaining world order. This order is based on the cycles of nature, which are maintained by the fulfillment of duties and sacrifice. Only when people live in accordance with spiritual principles and perform their actions selflessly is a harmonious cycle ensured that sustains all living beings.

3-15

Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas, and the Vedas are directly manifested from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Consequently, the all-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna continues to explain the principle of interdependence between action, sacrifice, and spiritual reality. He points out that all action originates from Divine consciousness—the Supreme Spirit that permeates all existence. Divine consciousness itself arises from an immortal and eternal principle that is without beginning and end. Sacrifice is highlighted here as an important element of the manifestation of Divine consciousness. Divine consciousness, which is all-pervasive, is always present and exists in sacrifice. This means that by performing sacrifice or selfless actions, a person harmonizes with Divine consciousness and maintains cosmic order.

3-16

My dear Arjuna, one who does not follow in human life the cycle of sacrifice thus established by the Vedas certainly leads a life full of sin. Living only for the satisfaction of the senses, such a person wastes his life.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna warns that a person who does not observe the laws of nature and the cosmos and does not engage in selfless actions or sacrifice lives a pointless and sinful life. The cycle of life includes actions that maintain harmony between man and the Universe, and these must be performed with a selfless mind and dedication.

3-17

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.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna points to the attainment of the highest spiritual state. A person who is satisfied with himself and whose joy comes from an internal state is self-sufficient and no longer dependent on external circumstances or actions to achieve peace or happiness. Such a person no longer needs to perform the prescribed duties intended for ordinary people because he has achieved spiritual perfection.

3-18

A self-realized man has no purpose to fulfill in the discharge of his prescribed duties, nor has he any reason not to perform such work. Nor has he any need to depend on any other living being.

Explanation: This verse teaches that true spiritual freedom arises when a person is no longer dependent on the fruits of action and is not attached to actions or other people to achieve his happiness or peace. Such freedom leads to inner independence and spiritual balance.

3-19

Therefore, without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty; for by working without attachment, one attains the Supreme.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna urges Arjuna and others to follow the principle of action-spiritual discipline—to perform their duties selflessly and without attachment to results. This means that a person must continue to act and perform his tasks, but he should not be attached to the results of actions, whether good or bad. A person must act out of duty, not driven by personal desires.

3-20

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.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna gives an example of holy rulers like Janaka who attained perfection not through passivity or renunciation of action, but through actions performed for the good of society. Krishna emphasizes that performing actions is important not only for personal spiritual growth but also for the well-being of the world.

3-21

Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.

Explanation: This verse teaches that people who hold responsible positions or are leaders bear responsibility for society because their actions determine how others will act. An example of good actions promotes harmony and the growth of society, while a bad example can lead to negative consequences for the whole society.

3-22

O son of Pṛthā, there is no work prescribed for Me within all the three planetary systems. Nor am I in want of anything, nor have I a need to obtain anything—and yet I am engaged in work.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna indicates that as the Supreme Being, he has neither duties nor goals in the three worlds—heaven, earth, and the underworld—that he needs to achieve. However, he still performs actions to maintain world order and set the right example. This means that although spiritual perfection is a state where a person is no longer dependent on actions, action is still necessary to support society and the well-being of the world.

3-23

For if I did not engage in prescribed duties, O Pārtha, all men would certainly follow My path in all respects.

Explanation: Krishna emphasizes that even though he has no need to perform actions, he continues to act to prevent society from becoming lazy or irresponsible. The power of example is extremely important because other people tend to follow the example of leaders. If Krishna were to stop acting, it could cause chaos in the world as people would follow that example and stop fulfilling their duties. This verse teaches that responsibility and action are essential, even if a person has reached spiritual perfection. Correct action and setting an example are important for maintaining social order and promoting general well-being.

3-24

If I did not engage in action, all these worlds would perish. I would create unwanted progeny, and thus disrupt the peace of all beings.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that if he were to stop performing his duties, it would create chaos and collapse throughout the world. All living beings would be destroyed, and world order would be threatened. Krishna emphasizes that the continuity of action is essential for maintaining cosmic order and harmony in the world.

3-25

As the ignorant perform their duties with attachment to results, so the learned may also act without attachment, for the sake of leading people on the right path.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains the difference between an ignorant person and a wise person. Ignorant people act with attachment to actions and their results because they believe that actions are the only way to achieve their goals. A wise person, on the other hand, realizes that action itself is an integral part of life, but he performs his actions without attachment to the results. A wise person acts to maintain world order and help society, not for personal gain.

3-26

Let the wise not disturb the minds of the ignorant who are attached to fruitive action; let him not induce them to stop working. Rather, by acting in the spirit of devotion, let him engage them in all kinds of activity.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna advises wise people on how they should approach those who have not understood spiritual truth and who are attached to material activities. Wise people should not confuse or bewilder the ignorant with their deep spiritual knowledge, as this could create confusion and bewilderment. Instead, they should encourage the ignorant to perform their duties and set an example by acting selflessly and with compassion, thereby inspiring others to follow the spiritual path.

3-27

All activities are carried out by the modes of material nature, but the fool, deluded by ego, thinks, ‘I am the doer.’

Explanation: This verse points to the illusion of ego that makes a person feel like the performer of actions, while in reality, everything happens under the influence of material forces and the laws of the universe. A spiritually advanced person realizes that he is only a witness and understands that material nature is the real doer.

3-28

One who is in knowledge of the Absolute Truth, O mighty-armed one, does not engage himself in the senses and sense gratification, knowing well the difference between work for fruitive results and work done in devotion.

Explanation: A person who understands the Absolute Truth and the nature of action realizes that actions and consequences arise from material qualities (goodness, passion, and ignorance), therefore does not perceive himself as the doer and remains unattached to worldly actions and results. He sees that actions are performed by themselves, due to material nature, and not by his own will. Mahābāho (mighty-armed) is an address to Arjuna used by Krishna to emphasize Arjuna's strength and heroism.

3-29

Bewildered by the modes of material nature, the ignorant fully engage themselves in material activities and become attached to them. But the wise should not unsettle them, although these duties are inferior because of the performers' lack of knowledge.

Explanation: This verse indicates that a wise person helps others with compassion and humility, but does not try to impose deeper knowledge on them if they are not yet ready for it. Ignorant people live in their perception of the world, where they are attached to their actions and their results, and if deeper teachings are imposed on them too early, it can cause confusion or negative reactions.

3-30

Therefore, O Arjuna, surrendering all your works unto Me, with full knowledge of Me, without desire for profit, with no claims to proprietorship, and free from lethargy, fight!

Explanation: Freedom from egoism and attachment is essential for a person to be able to act fully while maintaining spiritual balance. Krishna encourages Arjuna to fight and perform his duty as a warrior, but with a mind free from inner turmoil, so that he can act selflessly and completely peacefully, understanding that he is acting within the framework of Divine will.

3-31

Those who perform their duties according to My injunctions and who follow this teaching faithfully, without envy, become free from the bondage of fruitive actions.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna indicates that those people who consistently follow his teachings with faith and without skepticism or envy gain liberation from the consequences of action. He emphasizes that by accepting the teaching with a faithful mind, people can break free from the cycle of action that binds them to worldly activities and their consequences. Faith and trust are essential for breaking free from the negative consequences of actions.

3-32

But those who, out of envy, disregard these instructions of Mine and do not regularly practice this teaching are to be considered bereft of all knowledge, befooled, and ruined in their endeavors for perfection.

Explanation: People who do not follow or reject Krishna's teachings are considered to be destroying their chances of achieving spiritual freedom because they lack understanding of the essence of life. Krishna urges these people to turn to faith and spiritual discipline, because by ignoring this path, they lose inner peace and the true meaning of life.

3-33

Even a wise person acts according to their nature, because every being follows the nature it has acquired from the three qualities. What can suppression achieve?

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that even if a person has spiritual knowledge, they still act according to their innate nature. Material nature has certain qualities that influence the behavior of all beings. Krishna emphasizes that it is pointless to suppress or fight against this nature, as natural qualities will always affect a person's behavior. Instead of trying to completely suppress their qualities, one should understand their material nature and strive to use their natural qualities to serve God and promote the welfare of society. According to one's nature means that a person's behavior and actions are influenced by their inherent qualities and personality, which are formed by the structure of their mind and character, such as: temperament and emotions, career choices, attitude towards challenges, spiritual inclinations, social relationships, responsibility towards family and society.

3-34

Attachment and aversion arise in the interaction of the senses and their objects, but one should not come under their power, as they are obstacles on the path of spiritual growth.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that a person's senses are always attracted to certain objects, causing both attachment and aversion. These reactions are natural, however, Krishna warns that one should not allow these emotions to rule over them. Attachment and aversion are two powerful forces that can lead a person to spiritual imbalance and hinder their path to liberation. These emotions must be overcome to achieve inner peace and spiritual freedom.

3-35

It is better to perform one's own duty, even if imperfectly, than to perform another's duty perfectly. Death in the performance of one's own duty is better; another's duty is full of danger.

Explanation: This verse teaches that each person must fulfill their life's duty, which is each person's individual path, responsibility, or mission that is in accordance with their character, abilities, talents, social status, and life circumstances. It is a natural way of life that helps a person live in harmony with themselves and the world by performing actions that correspond to their natural essence and role in society. Even if a person makes mistakes in their duty or it is not performed perfectly, it is better than trying to perform someone else's duty that is not related to their own life path.

3-36

Arjuna said: O descendant of Vṛṣṇi, impelled by what does a person act sinfully, even unwillingly, as if forced?

Explanation: In this verse, Arjuna asks Krishna a question, trying to understand why a person, even if they do not want to do evil or sin, is still often forced to do wrong actions. He asks what makes a person commit sin even against their own will, as if they are led by a force that is beyond their control. O descendant of Vṛṣṇi is Arjuna's form of address to Krishna, which means the one who comes from the Vrishni dynasty. By using this address, Arjuna shows respect and trust to Krishna as a spiritual teacher and asks him with honor and humility.

3-37

The Supreme Lord said: It is lust only, Arjuna, which is born of contact with the mode of passion and later transformed into wrath, and which is the all-devouring sinful enemy of this world.

Explanation: Desire and anger are great enemies because they create incontinence and destroy peace of mind. They consume a person's inner balance and make them do things that cause sins. Desire is what causes passion and restlessness, and when desires are not satisfied, they turn into anger, which disturbs a person's inner peace and leads to wrong actions. These desires and anger stem from the nature of passion, which is a property of material nature that creates unrest, passion, and craving for gratification.

3-38

As fire is covered by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, as the embryo is covered by the womb, so too the living entity is covered by different degrees of this desire.

Explanation: Desires are the main obstacle that obscures the clarity of a person's mind and prevents them from seeing the truth about themselves and the world. These three comparisons indicate different levels of desire that can hinder a person's spiritual growth. Just as fire can eventually break through the smoke, so too can a person dissolve their desires with spiritual discipline and self-control to reveal their true nature, which is the soul's immortality and unity with God.

3-39

Thus, the pure consciousness of the living entity is covered by its eternal enemy in the form of lust, which is never satisfied and burns like fire.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that desire is a person's eternal enemy that obscures their knowledge and wisdom. Desire creates obscuration and prevents a person from seeing the truth and living in accordance with spiritual knowledge. Krishna compares desire to a fire that is always burning but never satisfied—it always wants more. In this verse, Krishna addresses Arjuna as the son of Kuntī, reminding him of his noble origins and warrior strength.

3-40

The senses, the mind and the intelligence are the sitting places of this lust. Through them lust covers the real knowledge of the living entity and bewilders him.

Explanation: The senses are the first place where desire begins to operate, as a person wants to enjoy the world through sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. From here, desire enters the mind, creating emotions and restlessness. Then it affects the intellect, which is a person's decision-making power, misleading and diverting it from the right path. When desire covers a person's knowledge, they forget their true spiritual nature and become a slave to material desires. Desire deludes a person and prevents them from achieving spiritual freedom and inner peace.

3-41

Therefore, O Arjuna, best of the Bhāratas, in the very beginning curb this great symbol of sin [lust] by regulating the senses, and slay this destroyer of knowledge and self-realization.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna advises Arjuna on how to overcome desire, which destroys a person's knowledge and spiritual understanding. The first step a person can take is to control their senses. The senses are the gateways through which desires enter a person's mind and capture it, so by controlling the senses, one can limit the influence of desires. In this verse, Krishna addresses Arjuna as the best descendant of Bharata, honoring him for his noble origins and strength. This serves as a reminder that Arjuna has the spiritual strength and responsibility to overcome the influence of desires.

3-42

The working senses are superior to dull matter; mind is higher than the senses; intelligence is still higher than the mind; and he [the soul] is even higher than the intelligence.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains the inner hierarchy of a human being. He indicates that there are several levels that regulate a person's behavior and perception, and these levels form a hierarchical order. This verse teaches about the inner structure of a human being and that the soul is the highest essence of a person, which stands above the senses, mind, and intellect. To achieve inner peace and spiritual freedom, a person must control these lower levels and reach the consciousness of the soul.

3-43

Therefore, knowing that the soul is transcendental to material senses, mind, and intelligence, O mighty-armed Arjuna, one must steady the mind with spiritual, unwavering intelligence and conquer lust, this insurmountable enemy.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna concludes his teaching on desires and how they affect a person. He points out that in order to overcome desires, one must first understand that the soul is higher than intellect and mind. Only when a person realizes their true spiritual nature can they use the mind to control themselves and overcome desire. Here, Krishna addresses Arjuna as the mighty-armed, which is praise for his physical strength and valor. However, in this context, the address refers to Arjuna's spiritual strength—he has not only the strength to fight physically but also the inner strength needed to conquer desire, which is man's greatest internal enemy.