Chapter 3, Verse 21 (Bhagavad Gita 3.21)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः। स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते
Transliteration
yad yad ācharati śhreṣhṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute lokas tad anuvartate
Word Meanings
yat yat—whatever; ācharati—does; śhreṣhṭhaḥ—the best; tat tat—that (alone); eva—certainly; itaraḥ—common; janaḥ—people; saḥ—they; yat—whichever; pramāṇam—standard; kurute—perform; lokaḥ—world; tat—that; anuvartate—pursues
Translation
Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps; whatever standard he sets by his exemplary conduct, the entire world pursues.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse highlights the profound responsibility inherent in leadership and influence, emphasizing that actions carry far more weight than words. It teaches that every individual, by virtue of their position or character, acts as a role model for someone else, thereby shaping the collective morality of society. True greatness is not found in authority, but in the integrity of one's conduct, as people naturally gravitate toward the benchmarks set by those they admire. Therefore, a spiritually awakened person must act with conscious awareness, understanding that their personal discipline serves as the blueprint for others to follow on the path of righteousness.