Chapter 3, Verse 25
Karma Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
saktāḥ—attached; karmaṇi—duties; avidvānsaḥ—the ignorant; yathā—as much as; kurvanti—act; bhārata—scion of Bharat (Arjun); kuryāt—should do; vidvān—the wise; tathā—thus; asaktaḥ—unattached; chikīrṣhuḥ—wishing; loka-saṅgraham—welfare of the world
English translation
As the ignorant act out of attachment to action, O Bharata, so should the wise act without attachment, wishing for the welfare of the world.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 3.25
Commentary
The ignorant man works in expectation of fruits. He says; I will do such and such work and will get such and such fruit. But the wise man who knows the Self; serves not for his own end. He should so act that the world; following his example; would attain peace; harmony; purity of heart; divine light and knowledge. A wise man is one who knows the Self. (Cf. II.64III.19XVIII.49).
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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