Chapter 3, Verse 20
Part of 3: Karm Yog — कर्मयोगकर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः। लोकसंग्रहमेवापि संपश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि॥
Transliteration
karmaṇaiva hi sansiddhim āsthitā janakādayaḥ loka-saṅgraham evāpi sampaśhyan kartum arhasi
Meaning
Janaka and others attained perfection indeed through action alone; even with the intention of protecting the masses, you should perform action.
Word-by-word meaning
karmaṇā — by the performance of prescribed dutieseva — onlyhi — certainlysansiddhim — perfectionāsthitāḥ — attainedjanaka-ādayaḥ — King Janak and other kingsloka-saṅgraham — for the welfare of the masseseva api — onlysampaśhyan — consideringkartum — to performarhasi — you should
Commentary
Samsiddhi is Moksha (perfection or liberation). Janaka? (Asvapati) and others had perfect knowledge of the Self, and yet they performed actions in order to set an example to the masses. They worked for the guidance of men.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 20?▼
Janaka and others attained perfection indeed through action alone; even with the intention of protecting the masses, you should perform action.
Which chapter and verse of the Bhagavad Gita is this?▼
This is verse 20 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.