Chapter 3, Verse 26 (Bhagavad Gita 3.26)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
न बुद्धिभेदं जनयेदज्ञानां कर्मसङ्गिनाम्। जोषयेत्सर्वकर्माणि विद्वान् युक्तः समाचरन्
Transliteration
na buddhi-bhedaṁ janayed ajñānāṁ karma-saṅginām joṣhayet sarva-karmāṇi vidvān yuktaḥ samācharan
Word Meanings
na—not; buddhi-bhedam—discord in the intellects; janayet—should create; ajñānām—of the ignorant; karma-saṅginām—who are attached to fruitive actions; joṣhayet—should inspire (them) to perform; sarva—all; karmāṇi—prescribed; vidvān—the wise; yuktaḥ—enlightened; samācharan—performing properly
Translation
The wise should not unsettle the minds of those attached to the fruits of action; rather, they should inspire them to perform their duties by setting an example through their own dedicated engagement.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse teaches the profound social responsibility of the enlightened individual. Rather than prematurely forcing abstract knowledge upon those who are not yet prepared, the wise person leads by the power of example. By performing one's own duties with focused devotion, the wise man provides a template for others to refine their own actions. It is a lesson in compassionate leadership, suggesting that spiritual growth is a gradual evolution rather than an abrupt shift in perspective. Ultimately, the verse emphasizes that right action, performed without ego, is the most effective way to guide others toward a higher state of consciousness.