Translation
The world is bound by actions other than those performed for the sake of sacrifice; do thou, therefore, O son of Kunti (Arjuna), perform actions for that sake alone, free from attachment.
Verse 3.9
From कर्मयोग
The Yoga of Action
॥ Sanskrit Text ॥
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः।
तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसंगः समाचर।।3.9।।
yajñārthāt karmaṇo ’nyatra loko ’yaṁ karma-bandhanaḥ tad-arthaṁ karma kaunteya mukta-saṅgaḥ samāchara
हिंदी अनुवाद
।।3.9।। यज्ञ (कर्तव्यपालन) के लिये किये जानेवाले कर्मोंसे अन्यत्र (अपने लिये किये जानेवाले) कर्मोंमें लगा हुआ यह मनुष्य-समुदाय कर्मोंसे बँधता है, इसलिये हे कुन्तीनन्दन ! तू आसक्ति-रहित होकर उस यज्ञके लिये ही कर्तव्य-कर्म कर।
Word-by-Word Meaning
yajña-arthāt—for the sake of sacrifice; karmaṇaḥ—than action; anyatra—else; lokaḥ—material world; ayam—this; karma-bandhanaḥ—bondage through one’s work; tat—that; artham—for the sake of; karma—action; kaunteya—Arjun, the son of Kunti; mukta-saṅgaḥ—free from attachment; samāchara—perform properly
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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