The divine said: In this world, I have already taught two kinds of steadfast practice: the path of knowledge for the contemplative, and the path of action for the active.
— Krishna
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Bhagavad Gita · 3.3
Hindi · हिन्दी
श्रीभगवान् बोले हे निष्पाप अर्जुन इस मनुष्यलोकमें दो प्रकारसे होनेवाली निष्ठा मेरे द्वारा पहले कही गयी है । उनमें ज्ञानियोंकी निष्ठा ज्ञानयोगसे और योगियोंकी निष्ठा कर्मयोगसे होती है ॥
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
श्रीभगवान्the divineउवाचsaidलोकेऽस्मिन्in this worldद्विविधाtwofoldनिष्ठाsteadfast practiceपुराformerlyप्रोक्ताtaughtमयाby meअनघsinless oneज्ञानयोगेनthrough the yoga of knowledgeसांख्यानाम्of the contemplative knowersकर्मयोगेनthrough the yoga of actionयोगिनाम्of the yogis
Read literallythe divine · said · in this world · twofold · steadfast practice · formerly · taught · by me · sinless one · through the yoga of knowledge · of the contemplative knowers · through the yoga of action · of the yogis
Understanding the verse
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It shifts the mind from searching for one universal method to recognizing the right path for one’s temperament.
There are two valid ways to live steadily: one through understanding, one through action. Different temperaments need different disciplines.
02
On the battlefield
Context & commentary
Arjuna has just confessed confusion on the battlefield and asked for one clear answer. Krishna begins by saying that human beings are not all built the same: some are fit for knowledge, others for action. This opens the whole teaching on Karma Yoga.
03
In your life
Why this verse still matters
You are staring at a life decision and want one perfect rule to settle everything. Instead, the answer may be simpler: some people need study and reflection, others need disciplined action.
The takeaway
“You do not have to force one spiritual style. Your nature can guide the way that steadies you.”
There are two valid ways to live steadily: one through understanding, one through action. Different temperaments need different disciplines.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 3.3?
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Karma Yoga" (The Yoga of Action).
Which chapter of the Bhagavad Gita contains verse 3.3?
Verse 3 sits in Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita — Karma Yoga, "The Yoga of Action". The chapter has 43 verses in total.
Why does Bhagavad Gita 3.3 matter today?
You are staring at a life decision and want one perfect rule to settle everything. Instead, the answer may be simpler: some people need study and reflection, others need disciplined action.
It shifts the mind from searching for one universal method to recognizing the right path for one’s temperament.
What this verse means
There are two valid ways to live steadily: one through understanding, one through action. Different temperaments need different disciplines.
Context & commentary
Arjuna has just confessed confusion on the battlefield and asked for one clear answer. Krishna begins by saying that human beings are not all built the same: some are fit for knowledge, others for action. This opens the whole teaching on Karma Yoga.
Why this verse still matters
You are staring at a life decision and want one perfect rule to settle everything. Instead, the answer may be simpler: some people need study and reflection, others need disciplined action.
“You do not have to force one spiritual style. Your nature can guide the way that steadies you.”
Explore related themes: karma yoga (55 verses), jnana yoga (13 verses), sankhya (11 verses)