BHAGAVAD-GITA 3:9

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BHAGAVAD-GITA 3:9

 

yajnarthat karmano 'nyatra

loko 'yam karma-bandhanah

tad-artham karma kaunteya

mukta-sangah samacara

 

WORD FOR WORD

 

yajna-arthat--done only for the sake of Yajna, or Visnu;

karmanah--than work; anyatra--otherwise; lokah--world; ayam--this;

karma-bandhanah--bondage by work; tat--of Him; artham--for the sake;

karma--work; kaunteya--O son of Kunti; mukta-sangah--liberated from

association; samacara--do perfectly.

 

TRANSLATION

 

Work done as a sacrifice for Visnu has to be performed, otherwise work

causes bondage in this material world. Therefore, O son of Kunti,

perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way

you will always remain free from bondage.

 

PURPORT

 

Since one has to work even for the simple maintenance of the body, the

prescribed duties for a particular social position and quality are so

made that that purpose can be fulfilled. Yajna means Lord Visnu, or

sacrificial performances. All sacrificial performances also are meant

for the satisfaction of Lord Visnu. The Vedas enjoin: yajno vai

visnuh. In other words, the same purpose is served whether one

performs prescribed yajnas or directly serves Lord Visnu. Krsna

consciousness is therefore performance of yajna as it is prescribed in

this verse. The varnasrama institution also aims at satisfying Lord

Visnu. Varnasramacaravata purusena parah puman/ visnur aradhyate

(Visnu Purana 3.8.8).

 

Therefore one has to work for the satisfaction of Visnu. Any other

work done in this material world will be a cause of bondage, for both

good and evil work have their reactions, and any reaction binds the

performer. Therefore, one has to work in Krsna consciousness to

satisfy Krsna (or Visnu); and while performing such activities one is

in a liberated stage. This is the great art of doing work, and in the

beginning this process requires very expert guidance. One should

therefore act very diligently, under the expert guidance of a devotee

of Lord Krsna, or under the direct instruction of Lord Krsna Himself

(under whom Arjuna had the opportunity to work). Nothing should be

performed for sense gratification, but everything should be done for

the satisfaction of Krsna. This practice will not only save one from

the reaction of work, but also gradually elevate one to transcendental

loving service of the Lord, which alone can raise one to the kingdom

of God.

 

Copyright 1983 The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. Used with

permission.