Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 3 verse 23
Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga

Leading by Example · The Weight of Influence

यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रितः । मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः ।।23।।

yadi hy ahaṃ na varteyaṃ jātu karmaṇy atandritaḥ mama vartmānuvartante manuṣyāḥ pārtha sarvaśaḥ

Meaning

"If I did not remain diligently engaged in action, O Partha, all people would follow My example in every way."

Explanation

Krishna reveals a sense of responsibility that even the divine feels toward setting a good example.

Today's Life Lesson

Remember that others may be watching and learning from what you do today, whether or not you intend it.

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