Chapter 3, Verse 20
Karma Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
karmaṇā—by the performance of prescribed duties; eva—only; hi—certainly; sansiddhim—perfection; āsthitāḥ—attained; janaka-ādayaḥ—King Janak and other kings; loka-saṅgraham—for the welfare of the masses; eva api—only; sampaśhyan—considering; kartum—to perform; arhasi—you should;
English translation
Janaka and others attained perfection indeed through action alone; even with the intention of protecting the masses, you should perform action.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 3.20
Commentary
Samsiddhi is Moksha (perfection or liberation). Janaka; (Asvapati) and others had perfect knowledge of the Self; and yet they performed actions in order to set an example to the masses. They worked for the guidance of men.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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