Translation
You must perform the action that has been enjoined upon you. For, action is superior to inaction; and even the maintenance of your body cannot be properly accomplished through inaction.
Verse 3.8
From कर्मयोग
The Yoga of Action
॥ Sanskrit Text ॥
नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः।
शरीरयात्रापि च ते न प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः।।3.8।।
niyataṁ kuru karma tvaṁ karma jyāyo hyakarmaṇaḥ śharīra-yātrāpi cha te na prasiddhyed akarmaṇaḥ
हिंदी अनुवाद
।।3.8।। तू शास्त्रविधिसे नियत किये हुए कर्तव्य-कर्म कर; क्योंकि कर्म न करनेकी अपेक्षा कर्म करना श्रेष्ठ है तथा कर्म न करनेसे तेरा शरीर-निर्वाह भी सिद्ध नहीं होगा।
Word-by-Word Meaning
niyatam—constantly; kuru—perform; karma—Vedic duties; tvam—you; karma—action; jyāyaḥ—superior; hi—certainly; akarmaṇaḥ—than inaction; śharīra—bodily; yātrā—maintenance; api—even; cha—and; te—your; na prasiddhyet—would not be possible; akarmaṇaḥ—inaction
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, establishing the core concepts of this yoga.
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