Bhagavad Gita · Karma Yoga — The Yoga of Action
Chapter 3, Verse 17
"Bhagavad Gita 3.17" — meaning and explanation.
यस्त्वात्मरतिरेव स्यादात्मतृप्तश्च मानवः | आत्मन्येव च सन्तुष्टस्तस्य कार्यं न विद्यते
yastvātmaratireva syādātmatṛptaśca mānavaḥ . ātmanyeva ca santuṣṭastasya kāryaṃ na vidyate
Meaning
3.17 But for that man who rejoices only in the Self, who is satisfied with the Self and who is content in the Self alone, verily there is nothing to do.
।।3.17।। परन्तु जो मनुष्य आत्मा में ही रमने वाला आत्मा में ही तृप्त तथा आत्मा में ही सन्तुष्ट हो उसके लिये कोई कर्तव्य नहीं रहता।।
Explanation
3.17 यः who? तु but? आत्मरतिः who rejoices in the Self? एव only? स्यात् may be? आत्मतृप्तः satisfied in the Self? च and? मानवः the man? आत्मनि in the Self? एव only? च and? सन्तुष्टः contented? तस्य his? कार्यम् work to be done? न not? विद्यते is.Commentary The sage does not depend on external objects for his happiness. He is ite satisfied with the Self. He finds his joy? bliss and contentment within his own Self. For such a sage who has knowledge of the Self? there is nothing to do. He has already done all actions. He has satisfied all his desires. He has complete satisfaction. (Cf.II.55).
Life Lesson
Study Bhagavad Gita 3.17 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.
Context
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, verse 17, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.
Bhagavad Gita 3.17
This page presents the Sanskrit verse, transliteration, Hindi meaning, English meaning, and a simple explanation for study. For a fuller understanding, read this shloka in sequence with the rest of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 3.17 mean?
3.17 But for that man who rejoices only in the Self, who is satisfied with the Self and who is content in the Self alone, verily there is nothing to do.
What is the life lesson of this verse?
Study Bhagavad Gita 3.17 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.
What is the context of this verse?
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, verse 17, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.