Contents
Shri Sankara's Gita Bhashya
(Sri Sankaracharya's Commentary on the Gita)
CHAPTER -3
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5. Verily, none can ever rest, for even an instant, without performing action ; for, everyone is made to act, helplessly, by the Gunas born of Prakrtt. Because, verily none can ever rest for even an instant of time without performing action. Why? For, every one living being is made to act, helpnessly indeed, by the Guñas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas[1], born out of Prakrti. By 'everyone' is to be understood, 'every unillumined person' (ajña) ; for, since the Lord says, "He who is moved not by the Gnnas"[2], thereby distinguishing the Sāmkhyas (from the un-illumined who arc under the sway of the Gunas), Karma-yoga (devotion to action) is decidedly meant only for the un-illumined and not for the wise. As regards the wise, who are unmovablc by the Gunas and are by themselves devoid of movement (action), karma-yoga is out of place. And this has been explained at length in the commentary on (the verse) "The man who knows This to be indestructible, etc."[3]. As for the person who knows not the Self, it is certainly wrong for him to refrain from performing the prescribed works ; so, the Lord says : |
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