Chapter 3, Verse 17
यस्त्वात्मरतिरेव स्यादात्मतृप्तश्च मानव: | आत्मन्येव च सन्तुष्टस्तस्य कार्यं न विद्यते ॥17॥
yas tv ātma-ratir eva syād ātma-tṛptaś ca mānavaḥ | ātmany eva ca santuṣṭas tasya kāryaṁ na vidyate
"But that man who rejoices only in the Self and is satisfied with the Self, and is contented only in the Self—for him there is no duty to perform."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna explains that for a soul who has achieved self-realization, the standard 'Karmas' or Vedic duties are no longer obligatory. When a human (mānavaḥ) finds absolute joy (rati), satisfaction (tṛpta), and contentment (santuṣṭa) within the Atman (Self) rather than in external objects, they have reached the goal of all actions. Just as a student who has graduated no longer needs to follow the rules of the academy, or a person who has reached their destination no longer needs the map, the enlightened soul transcends the sphere of social and ritualistic obligation because they have realized the ultimate reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 3.17?
But that man who rejoices only in the Self and is satisfied with the Self, and is contented only in the Self—for him there is no duty to perform.