Bhagavad Gita -Sivananda 81

Bhagavad Gita -Swami Sivananda

Chapter-3 : THE YOGA OF ACTION

Summary of Third Discourse

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The Lord tells Arjuna that each one should do his duty according to his nature, and that doing duty that is suited to one’s nature in the right spirit of detachment will lead to perfection.

Arjuna raises the question as to why man commits such actions that cloud his mind and drag him downwards, by force, as it were. Sri Krishna answers that it is desire that impels man to lose his discrimination and understanding, and thus commit wrong actions. Desire is the root cause of all evil actions. If desire is removed, then the divine power manifests in its full glory and one enjoys peace, bliss, light and freedom.

Arjuna Uvaacha

Jyaayasee chet karmanaste mataa buddhir janaardana;
Tat kim karmani ghore maam niyojayasi keshava.

Arjuna said

1. If it be thought by Thee that knowledge is superior to action, O Krishna, why then, O
Kesava, dost Thou ask me to engage in this terrible action?

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References and Context