Topic

Responsibility

5 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on responsibility. Explore teachings across 2 chapters.

All Verses

Chapter 3 • Verse 8 →The Yoga of Action
Niyatam kuru karma tvam karma jyayo hy akarmanah, sharira-yatrapi ca te na prasiddhyed akarmanah

You should thus perform your prescribed Vedic duties, since action is superior to inaction. By ceasing activity, even your bodily maintenance will not be possible.

  • •Action is better than inaction
  • •Even survival requires action
  • •Fulfill your responsibilities
dutyactionsurvivalengagement
Chapter 3 • Verse 21 →The Yoga of Action
Yad yad acarati shresthas tat tad evetaro janah, sa yat pramanam kurute lokas tad anuvartate

Whatever action a great person performs, common people follow. And whatever standards they set by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.

  • •Leaders set examples for others
  • •Actions speak louder than words
  • •Responsibility of those in position
leadershipexampleinfluenceaction
Chapter 3 • Verse 23 →The Yoga of Action
Yadi hy aham na varteyam jatu karmany atandritah, mama vartmanuvartante manushyah partha sarvashah

If I ever ceased to act tirelessly, O Partha, all men would follow My path. The actions of a great person become a standard; people follow their example in all matters.

  • •Leaders bear responsibility for the example they set
  • •The conduct of the great shapes the behavior of many
  • •Even the divine must be tireless in righteous action
leadershipexampleinfluenceaction
Chapter 3 • Verse 24 →The Yoga of Action
Utsideyur ime loka na kuryam karma ced aham, sankarasya ca karta syam upahanyam imah prajah

If I were to cease acting, these worlds would perish; I would be the cause of chaos and the destruction of all beings. The continued existence of creation depends on righteous action.

  • •Inaction by those in positions of power causes societal collapse
  • •Every individual's action sustains or disrupts cosmic order
  • •Duty is not optional for those with power and knowledge
chaosdutycreationcosmic order
Chapter 6 • Verse 5 →The Yoga of Meditation
Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet, atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah

Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, and not degrade yourself. The mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the self.

  • •Self-mastery is essential
  • •The mind can uplift or destroy
  • •Take responsibility for your own growth
self-masteryminddisciplinegrowth