Verse 3.19 : Karma Yoga "Path of Selfless Action"
Verse 19 of 43
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The Translation
“Therefore, without attachment, constantly perform the duties that ought to be done; for by performing action without attachment, a person attains the Supreme.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna delivers a crucial instruction to Arjuna: since only the fully liberated have no duties, and Arjuna is not yet in that state, he must perform his duty without attachment to achieve liberation.
Practical Application
1
When working on a task today, declare: 'I am doing this because it needs to be done, not to prove myself.' Focus fully on the execution.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Can you identify an area in your life where your anxiety about the result is affecting the quality of your work?
- What does 'detachment' mean to you in practical, daily terms?
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3.19
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर
Shankara explains that by performing actions without attachment, a person purifies their mind, which makes them fit to receive self-knowledge, leading directly to liberation.