Chapter 3, Verse 23
यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रित: | मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्या: पार्थ सर्वश: ॥23॥
yadi hyahaṁ na varteyaṁ jātu karmaṇyatandritaḥ | mama vartmānuvartante manuṣyāḥ pārtha sarvaśaḥ
"For, O Partha, if at any time I do not continue vigilantly in action, men will follow My path in every way."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.23 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.23 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna explains that as a leader, His actions set the blueprint for human behavior. Even though He is beyond the need for material gain or karmic obligation, He acts tirelessly (atandritaḥ) to ensure that society does not descend into chaos by imitating a perceived lack of discipline. The verse underscores the grave responsibility of leaders to act with integrity, as their 'path' (vartma) becomes the default standard for the masses. It emphasizes that those in positions of power or influence cannot afford the luxury of negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 3.23?
For, O Partha, if at any time I do not continue vigilantly in action, men will follow My path in every way.