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The one who does not help to keep the wheel of
creation in motion by sacrificial duty, and who rejoices in sense
pleasures, that sinful person lives in vain, O Arjuna. (3.16)
The one who rejoices in the Self only, who is satisfied with the Self,
who is content in the Self alone, for such a (Self-realized) person
there is no duty. (3.17)
Such a person has no interest, whatsoever, in what is done or what is
not done. A Self-realized person does not depend on anybody (except God)
for anything. (3.18)
Therefore, always perform your duty efficiently and without attachment
to the results, because by doing work without attachment one attains the
Supreme. (3.19)
King Janaka and others attained perfection (or Self-realization) by
Karma-yoga alone. You should perform your duty (with apathetic frame of
mind) with a view to guide people and for the universal welfare (of the
society). (3.20)
Because, whatever noble persons do, others follow. Whatever standard
they set up, the world follows. (3.21)
O Arjuna, there is nothing in the three worlds (earth, heaven, and the
upper regions) that should be done by Me, nor there is anything
unobtained that I should obtain, yet I engage in action. (3.22)
Because, if I do not engage in action relentlessly, O Arjuna, people
would follow My path in every way. (3.23)
These worlds would perish if I do not work, and I shall be the cause of
confusion and destruction of all these people. (3.24)
As the ignorant work, O Arjuna, with attachment (to the fruits of work),
so the wise should work without attachment, for the welfare of the
society. (3.25)
The wise should not unsettle the mind of the ignorant who is attached to
the fruits of work, but the enlightened one should inspire others by
performing all works efficiently without attachment. (See also 3.29)
(3.26)
All works are being done by the Gunas (or the energy and power) of
nature, but due to delusion of ego people assume themselves to be the
doer. (See also 5.09, 13.29, and 14.19) (3.27)
The one who knows the truth, O Arjuna, about the role
of Guna and action does not get attached to the work, knowing that it is
the Gunas that work with their instruments, the organs. (3.28)
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