Chapter 3, Verse 20 (Bhagavad Gita 3.20)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः। लोकसंग्रहमेवापि संपश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि
Transliteration
karmaṇaiva hi sansiddhim āsthitā janakādayaḥ loka-saṅgraham evāpi sampaśhyan kartum arhasi
Word Meanings
karmaṇā—by the performance of prescribed duties; eva—only; hi—certainly; sansiddhim—perfection; āsthitāḥ—attained; janaka-ādayaḥ—King Janak and other kings; loka-saṅgraham—for the welfare of the masses; eva api—only; sampaśhyan—considering; kartum—to perform; arhasi—you should;
Translation
Kings like Janaka and others attained perfection solely through action; considering the duty of guiding the masses, you too should perform your prescribed duties.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse dismantles the misconception that spiritual liberation requires renouncing the world. It posits that true perfection is found by aligning one’s actions with the welfare of the world, rather than seeking personal isolation. By citing Janaka, a king who remained enlightened amidst the responsibilities of governance, Krishna teaches that work is a form of worship when performed with detachment. This transforms our daily labor into a service for the collective good, bridging the gap between worldly engagement and inner stillness. Ultimately, it reminds us that our responsibilities are not distractions from spirituality, but the very field where our character and divinity are manifested.