Chapter 3, Verse 17
Karma Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
yaḥ—who; tu—but; ātma-ratiḥ—rejoice in the self; eva—certainly; syāt—is; ātma-tṛiptaḥ—self-satisfied; cha—and; mānavaḥ—human being; ātmani—in the self; eva—certainly; cha—and; santuṣhṭaḥ—satisfied; tasya—his; kāryam—duty; na—not; vidyate—exist
English translation
But for that man who rejoices only in the Self, who is satisfied with the Self and is content in the Self alone, indeed there is nothing to do.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 3.17
Commentary
The sage does not depend on external objects for his happiness. He is quite satisfied with the Self. He finds his joy; bliss and contentment within his own Self. For such a sage who has knowledge of the Self; there is nothing to do. He has already done all actions. He has satisfied all his desires. He has complete satisfaction. (Cf. II.55).
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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