Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 3 verse 20
Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga

Leading by Example · Acting for the Common Good

कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः । लोकसंग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि ।।20।।

karmaṇaiva hi saṃsiddhim āsthitā janakādayaḥ loka-saṅgraham evāpi sampaśyan kartum arhasi

Meaning

"King Janaka and others attained perfection through action alone. You too should act, keeping in mind the welfare of the world."

Explanation

Krishna gives Arjuna a historical example, showing that great figures achieved enlightenment precisely through committed action.

Today's Life Lesson

Let today's actions be shaped a little by how they might benefit others, not just yourself.

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