Topic

Selfless action

2 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on selfless action. Explore teachings across 1 chapter.

All Verses

Chapter 3 • Verse 22 →The Yoga of Action
Na me parthasti kartavyam trishu lokeshu kimcana, nanavaptam avaptavyam varta eva ca karmani

O Partha, there is no prescribed duty for Me in all three worlds, nor is there anything unattained or to be attained. Yet I engage in action.

  • •Even the Divine acts without personal need
  • •Action can be performed from pure love and responsibility
  • •Being beyond all need does not mean ceasing to act
divine actionKrishnadutybeyond need
Chapter 3 • Verse 25 →The Yoga of Action
Saktah karmany avidvamso yatha kurvanti bharata, kuryad vidvams tathasaktas cikirsur loka-sangraham

As the ignorant act with attachment to results, so the wise should act without attachment, O Bharata, desiring the welfare of the world. The wise set an example even though they need nothing for themselves.

  • •The wise serve as models for right action
  • •Act for the world's welfare, not personal gain
  • •Detached action in imitation of the wise purifies society
detachmentwisdomloka-sangrahaexample