Bhagavad Gita · Karma Yoga — The Yoga of Action
Chapter 3, Verse 20
"Bhagavad Gita 3.20" — meaning and explanation.
कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः | लोकसंग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि
karmaṇaiva hi saṃsiddhimāsthitā janakādayaḥ . lokasaṃgrahamevāpi sampaśyankartumarhasi
Meaning
3.20 Janaka and others attained perfection verily by action only; even with a view to the protection of the masses thou shouldst perform action.
।।3.20।। जनकादि (ज्ञानी जन) भी कर्म द्वारा ही संसिद्धि को प्राप्त हुये लोक संग्रह (लोक रक्षण) को भी देखते हुये; तुम कर्म करने योग्य हो।।
Explanation
3.20 कर्मणा by action? एव only? हि verily? संसिद्धिम् perfection? आस्थिताः attained? जनकादयः Janaka and others? लोकसंग्रहम् protection of the masses? एवापि only? संपश्यन् having in view? कर्तुम् to perform? अर्हसि thou shouldst.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.
Life Lesson
Study Bhagavad Gita 3.20 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.
Context
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, verse 20, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.
Bhagavad Gita 3.20
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 3.20 mean?
3.20 Janaka and others attained perfection verily by action only; even with a view to the protection of the masses thou shouldst perform action.
What is the life lesson of this verse?
Study Bhagavad Gita 3.20 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 20, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.