Chapter 3, Verse 23 (Bhagavad Gita 3.23)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रितः। मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः
Transliteration
yadi hyahaṁ na varteyaṁ jātu karmaṇyatandritaḥ mama vartmānuvartante manuṣhyāḥ pārtha sarvaśhaḥ
Word Meanings
yadi—if; hi—certainly; aham—I; na—not; varteyam—thus engage; jātu—ever; karmaṇi—in the performance of prescribed duties; atandritaḥ—carefully; mama—my; vartma—path; anuvartante—follow; manuṣhyāḥ—all men; pārtha—Arjun, the son of Pritha; sarvaśhaḥ—in all respects
Translation
For if I did not engage in action, ever untiring, O Partha, men would follow My path in every way.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse underscores the profound responsibility of leadership and the power of influence through example. Lord Krishna teaches that inaction by a role model creates a vacuum that others will imitate, potentially leading to social chaos or lethargy. It reveals that our personal conduct is never a private matter; it silently sets the standard for our community and those who look up to us. By remaining active, the individual sustains the cosmic order and upholds the integrity of human dharma. True spiritual maturity involves recognizing that one’s presence and actions are a lighthouse for the collective path.