Chapter 3, Verse 22 (Bhagavad Gita 3.22)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
न मे पार्थास्ति कर्तव्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु किञ्चन। नानवाप्तमवाप्तव्यं वर्त एव च कर्मणि
Transliteration
na me pārthāsti kartavyaṁ triṣhu lokeṣhu kiñchana nānavāptam avāptavyaṁ varta eva cha karmaṇi
Word Meanings
na—not; me—mine; pārtha—Arjun; asti—is; kartavyam—duty; triṣhu—in the three; lokeṣhu—worlds; kiñchana—any; na—not; anavāptam—to be attained; avāptavyam—to be gained; varte—I am engaged; eva—yet; cha—also; karmaṇi—in prescribed duties
Translation
O Partha, there is no work in all the three worlds that I am compelled to do, nor is there anything I have not attained or need to attain; yet, I am always engaged in prescribed duties.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse reveals the mystery of divine action, where Krishna acts not out of necessity or desire for results, but as an ideal example for humanity. It teaches that true spiritual maturity lies in performing one's duties without being driven by egoistic greed or personal gain. By modeling this selfless engagement, the Lord invites us to participate in the world while remaining detached from its outcomes. This perspective transforms life from a burden of 'getting' into a sacred offering of 'giving'. Ultimately, it suggests that when work is performed as a duty rather than a compulsion, it leads to liberation rather than bondage.