Chapter 3, Verse 16
एवं प्रवर्तितं चक्रं नानुवर्तयतीह य: | अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति ॥16॥
evaṁ pravartitaṁ cakraṁ nānuvartayatīha yaḥ |
aghāyur indriyārāmo moghaṁ pārtha sa jīvati ||
"O Partha, he lives in vain who does not follow here the wheel thus set in motion, whose life is sinful, and who indulges in the senses."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.16 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.16 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna concludes the section on the 'Yajna Chakra' (Cycle of Sacrifice). He explains that the universe is an interconnected system where every entity—from the rain to the plants to the humans—must contribute. The 'wheel' represents this cosmic interdependence. A person who only consumes (indriyārāmaḥ) without contributing back through their prescribed duties (dharma/yajna) is described as 'aghāyuḥ' (one whose life is sinful) because they are effectively a thief of the cosmic order. Such an existence is 'mogham' (in vain) because it fails to achieve the soul's purpose of evolution and harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 3.16?
O Partha, he lives in vain who does not follow here the wheel thus set in motion, whose life is sinful, and who indulges in the senses.