Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 3.3 लोकेऽस्मिन् द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता
श्लोक 3.3
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
लोकेऽस्मिन् द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ ।
ज्ञानयोगेन साङ्ख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम् ॥
śrībhagavānuvāca |
loke'smin dvividhā niṣṭhā purā proktā mayānagha |
jñānayogena sāṅkhyānāṃ karmayogena yoginām ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
श्रीभगवान ने कहा: हे निष्पाप अर्जुन! इस संसार में दो प्रकार की निष्ठा मैंने पहले बताई है — विचारशील ज्ञानियों के लिए ज्ञानयोग और कर्मशील योगियों के लिए कर्मयोग।
Meaning in English
The Blessed Lord said: O sinless one (Arjuna), I have long ago taught that there are two paths in this world: the path of knowledge for those inclined to reflection (Sankhya), and the path of action for those inclined to work (yogis).
Bhagavad Gita 3.3 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| श्रीभगवान् उवाच | śrībhagavān uvāca | the Blessed Lord said |
| लोके | loke | in the world |
| अस्मिन् | asmin | this |
| द्विविधा | dvividhā | twofold |
| निष्ठा | niṣṭhā | path, steadfast way |
| पुरा | purā | earlier, of old |
| प्रोक्ता | proktā | was taught |
| मया | mayā | by me |
| अनघ | anagha | O sinless one |
| ज्ञानयोगेन | jñāna-yogena | by the yoga of knowledge |
| साङ्ख्यानाम् | sāṅkhyānām | of the Sankhyas, the contemplatives |
| कर्मयोगेन | karma-yogena | by the yoga of action |
| योगिनाम् | yoginām | of the yogis, people of action |
Explanation
The Lord said: O sinless one, in this world a twofold path was taught by me long ago: the path of knowledge for the contemplatives, and the path of action for those devoted to work.
Krishna answers that there are two legitimate ways, suited to different temperaments. 'Purā' may mean 'earlier in this talk' (Chapter 2 spoke of both) or 'from the beginning of creation'. Shankara holds that these are two paths for two kinds of seekers, with action purifying the mind for knowledge. Ramanuja sees karma yoga as an independent and easier means to self-realisation. Tilak argues the Gita prefers knowledge joined with action.
भावार्थ
श्रीभगवान ने कहा — हे निष्पाप अर्जुन! इस लोक में दो प्रकार की निष्ठा मेरे द्वारा पहले कही गई है — सांख्य वालों के लिए ज्ञानयोग से और योगियों के लिए कर्मयोग से।
Living it today
Not everyone grows the same way. Some learn by reflection, some by doing; find the path that suits your nature and walk it steadily.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 3.3?
The Lord said: O sinless one, in this world a twofold path was taught by me long ago: the path of knowledge for the contemplatives, and the path of action for those devoted to work.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 3.3?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 3.3 in daily life?
Not everyone grows the same way. Some learn by reflection, some by doing; find the path that suits your nature and walk it steadily.
Reflected on verse 3.3?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.