Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 4 verse 17
Chapter 4 · Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga

Three Kinds of Action · Not All Doing Is Equal

कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मणः । अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गतिः ।।17।।

karmaṇo hy api boddhavyaṃ boddhavyaṃ ca vikarmaṇaḥ akarmaṇaś ca boddhavyaṃ gahanā karmaṇo gatiḥ

Meaning

"One must understand action, forbidden action, and inaction as well; the true nature of action is profound and hard to grasp."

Explanation

Krishna outlines three distinct categories of action, preparing to unpack their subtle differences.

Today's Life Lesson

Pause today to consider whether an action you're about to take is truly right, wrong, or better left undone.

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