Chapter 3, Verse 33
Karma Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
sadṛiśham—accordingly; cheṣhṭate—act; svasyāḥ—by their own; prakṛiteḥ—modes of nature; jñāna-vān—the wise; api—even; prakṛitim—nature; yānti—follow; bhūtāni—all living beings; nigrahaḥ—repression; kim—what; kariṣhyati—will do
English translation
Even a wise man acts in accordance with his own nature; beings will follow their nature; what can restraint do?
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 3.33
Commentary
He who reads this verse will come to the conclusion that there is no scope for mans personal exertion. It is not so. Read the following verse. It clearly indicates that man can coner Nature if he rises above the sway of RagaDvesha (love and hatred). The passionate and ignorant man only comes under the sway of his natural propensities; and his lower nature. He cannot have any restraint over the senses and the two currents of likes and dislikes. The seeker after Truth who is endowed with the four means; and who is constantly practising meditation can easily control Nature. (Cf. II.60V.14XVIII.59).
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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