Translation
Arjuna said, "O Janardana (Krishna), if it is Your opinion that wisdom is superior to action, why do You urge me to take such horrible action, O Kesava?"
Verse 3.1
From कर्मयोग
The Yoga of Action
॥ Sanskrit Text ॥
अर्जुन उवाच
ज्यायसी चेत्कर्मणस्ते मता बुद्धिर्जनार्दन।
तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसि केशव।।3.1।।
arjuna uvācha jyāyasī chet karmaṇas te matā buddhir janārdana tat kiṁ karmaṇi ghore māṁ niyojayasi keśhava
हिंदी अनुवाद
।।3.1 -- 3.2।। अर्जुन बोले -- हे जनार्दन! अगर आप कर्मसे बुद्धि- (ज्ञान-) को श्रेष्ठ मानते हैं, तो फिर हे केशव ! मुझे घोर कर्ममें क्यों लगाते हैं ? आप अपने मिले हुए-से वचनोंसे मेरी बुद्धिको मोहित-सी कर रहे हैं। अतः आप निश्चय करके उस एक बात को कहिये, जिससे मैं कल्याणको प्राप्त हो जाऊँ।
Word-by-Word Meaning
arjunaḥ uvācha—Arjun said; jyāyasī—superior; chet—if; karmaṇaḥ—than fruitive action; te—by you; matā—is considered; buddhiḥ—intellect; janārdana—he who looks after the public, Krishna; tat—then; kim—why; karmaṇi—action; ghore—terrible; mām—me; niyojayasi—do you engage; keśhava—Krishna, the killer of the demon named Keshi;
Application in Daily Life
Meditation Practice
Contemplate this verse during your morning meditation. Reflect on how its teachings apply to your current life situation and challenges.
Professional Life
Apply the wisdom of Karma Yoga to your work by focusing on your duties without excessive attachment to outcomes.
Relationships
Use these teachings to cultivate patience, understanding, and equanimity in your relationships with family and friends.
Chapter Context
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोग) contains 43 verses and focuses on the yoga of action.
This verse appears in the beginning of the chapter, opening the chapter with foundational teachings.
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