Chapter 3, Verse 29 (Bhagavad Gita 3.29)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
प्रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढाः सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु। तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान्कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत्
Transliteration
prakṛiter guṇa-sammūḍhāḥ sajjante guṇa-karmasu tān akṛitsna-vido mandān kṛitsna-vin na vichālayet
Word Meanings
prakṛiteḥ—of material nature; guṇa—by the modes of material nature; sammūḍhāḥ—deluded; sajjante—become attached; guṇa-karmasu—to results of actions; tān—those; akṛitsna-vidaḥ—persons without knowledge; mandān—the ignorant; kṛitsna-vit—persons with knowledge; na vichālayet—should not unsettle
Translation
Those who are deluded by the modes of material nature become attached to the activities of these modes. The person of perfect knowledge should not unsettle those whose understanding is imperfect and who are less enlightened.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse teaches the profound psychological principle of spiritual pacing and empathy. It suggests that truth cannot be forced upon those who are not yet prepared to integrate it, as sudden disruption of their limited worldview might only lead to confusion or despair. A truly wise person understands that everyone is on a unique evolutionary trajectory, governed by their own nature and level of awareness. Instead of attempting to uproot the belief systems of the uninitiated, the sage guides through quiet example and patience. This approach fosters harmony, allowing individuals to grow at their own organic pace toward higher self-realization.