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Bhagavad Gita 3.16

Chapter 3, Verse 16

Part of 3: Karm Yogकर्मयोग

एवं प्रवर्तितं चक्रं नानुवर्तयतीह यः। अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति॥

Transliteration

evaṁ pravartitaṁ chakraṁ nānuvartayatīha yaḥ aghāyur indriyārāmo moghaṁ pārtha sa jīvati

Meaning

He who does not follow the wheel thus set in motion, who is of sinful life, rejoicing in the senses, lives in vain, O Arjuna.

Word-by-word meaning
evamthuspravartitamset into motionchakramcyclenanotanuvartayatifollowihain this lifeyaḥwhoagha-āyuḥsinful livingindriya-ārāmaḥfor the delight of their sensesmoghamvainlypārthaArjun, the son of Prithasaḥtheyjīvatilive
Commentary

This is the wheel of action set in motion by the Creator on the basis of the Veda and sacrifice. He who does not follow the wheel by studying the Vedas and performing the sacrifices prescribed therein but who indulges only in sensual pleasures lives in vain. He is wasting his life. He is leading a worthless life indeed. One who does not live in accordance with this law and who is selfish commits sin. He violates the law of the Creator and that is the worst sin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 16?
He who does not follow the wheel thus set in motion, who is of sinful life, rejoicing in the senses, lives in vain, O Arjuna.
Which chapter and verse of the Bhagavad Gita is this?
This is verse 16 of Chapter 3 (Karm Yog — Path of Selfless Service) of the Bhagavad Gita, a scripture of 18 chapters and 700 verses spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.