Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 18 · Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 18.3 त्याज्यं दोषवदित्येके कर्म प्राहुर्मनीषिणः
श्लोक 18.3
त्याज्यं दोषवदित्येके कर्म प्राहुर्मनीषिणः ।
यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यमिति चापरे ॥
tyājyaṃ doṣavadityeke karma prāhurmanīṣiṇaḥ |
yajñadānatapaḥkarma na tyājyamiti cāpare ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
कुछ विद्वान कहते हैं कि कर्म दोषयुक्त है, इसलिए उसे छोड़ देना चाहिए, जबकि दूसरे कहते हैं कि यज्ञ, दान और तप रूपी कर्मों को नहीं छोड़ना चाहिए।
Meaning in English
Some thinkers say that all action should be given up as faulty, while others say that acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity should not be given up.
Bhagavad Gita 18.3 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| त्याज्यम् | tyājyam | should be given up |
| दोषवत् | doṣavat | as being full of fault |
| इति | iti | thus |
| एके | eke | some |
| कर्म | karma | action |
| प्राहुः | prāhuḥ | say |
| मनीषिणः | manīṣiṇaḥ | thinkers |
| यज्ञदानतपःकर्म | yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-karma | acts of sacrifice, giving and austerity |
| न | na | not |
| त्याज्यम् | tyājyam | to be given up |
| इति | iti | thus |
| च | ca | and |
| अपरे | apare | others |
Explanation
Krishna reports two opposing opinions. Some thinkers say that all action should be abandoned because it is tainted with fault, since every act involves some harm or bondage. Others say that acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity should never be given up, whatever else one renounces.
The first view is associated with Sankhya and ascetic schools that saw action as inherently binding; the second with the ritualist Mimamsa tradition. Shankara notes that the first opinion suits those who have turned wholly to knowledge, while the second applies to those still bound to duty. Ramanuja and Madhva read Krishna as about to settle the debate by rejecting the abandonment of good works. Modern readers see the verse as an honest presentation of rival schools before the teacher gives his own verdict.
भावार्थ
कुछ विद्वान कहते हैं कि सब कर्म दोषयुक्त हैं, इसलिए त्याग देने चाहिए। दूसरे विद्वान कहते हैं कि यज्ञ, दान और तप जैसे कर्म कभी नहीं छोड़ने चाहिए।
Living it today
Before deciding a hard question, hear out the strongest versions of opposing views. Fair listening sharpens your own judgment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 18.3?
Krishna reports two opposing opinions. Some thinkers say that all action should be abandoned because it is tainted with fault, since every act involves some harm or bondage. Others say that acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity should never be given up, whatever else one renounces.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 18.3?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 18 (Moksha Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.3 in daily life?
Before deciding a hard question, hear out the strongest versions of opposing views. Fair listening sharpens your own judgment.
Reflected on verse 18.3?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.