Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3: कर्मयोग (Karma Yoga)

What is taught in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3?

Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga) contains 43 verses in the canonical Mahabharata recension (1 curated in this study edition). The Yoga of Action. Explains why action is inescapable and how work performed as a selfless sacrifice (Yajna) for the welfare of the world (Lokasangraha) leads to liberation without karmic bondage.

Authority Standard: Gita Press Gorakhpur (Code 502 / Sadhaka Sanjivani)

Chapter Summary & Key Spiritual Teachings

The Yoga of Action. Explains why action is inescapable and how work performed as a selfless sacrifice (Yajna) for the welfare of the world (Lokasangraha) leads to liberation without karmic bondage.

Core Teachings:

No one can remain even for a moment without performing action (Verse 5)

Work as dedication to the Divine transforms action into worship (Verses 9-16)

Whatever great leaders practice, common people follow (Verse 21)

Controlling desire and anger—the supreme enemies of spiritual clarity (Verses 37-43)

1 Curated Verses with Gita Press Anvaya & Translation

Shloka 3.19 Gita Press Code 502

तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः॥

tasmād asaktaḥ satataṁ kāryaṁ karma samācara |
asakto hy ācaran karma param āpnoti pūruṣaḥ ||

पदच्छेद एवं अन्वय (Word-by-word Anvaya):

तस्मात् = इसलिए; असक्तः = अनासक्त होकर; सततम् = निरन्तर; कार्यम् कर्म = कर्तव्य कर्म; समाचर = भली-भाँति करो; असक्तः = अनासक्त रहकर; हि = क्योंकि; आचरन् = करता हुआ; कर्म = कर्म; परम् = परम पद (मोक्ष) को; आप्नोति = प्राप्त होता है; पूरुषः = मनुष्य।

गीताप्रेस हिन्दी भावार्थ:

इसलिए तू निरन्तर आसक्तिरहित होकर अपने कर्तव्य कर्म का भली-भाँति आचरण कर; क्योंकि आसक्तिरहित होकर कर्म करता हुआ मनुष्य परमात्मा को प्राप्त हो जाता है। (गीताप्रेस कोड 502)

English Translation: "Therefore, continually perform your duty without attachment; for by performing action without longing, man attains the Supreme Goal."