उत्सीदेयुरिमे लोका न कुर्यां कर्म चेदहम्। सङ्करस्य च कर्ता स्यामुपहन्यामिमाः प्रजाः।।3.24।।
utsīdeyur ime lokāḥ na kuryām karma ced aham saṅkarasya ca kartā syām upahanyām imāḥ prajāḥ
Translation
If I do not perform my prescribed duties, all these worlds would be ruined; I would become the cause of chaos and would destroy all these living beings.
Word Meanings
utsīdeyuḥ — would be put into ruin; ime — all these; lokāḥ — worlds; na — not; kuryām — I perform; karma — prescribed duties; ca — and; ced — if; aham — I; saṅkarasya — of unwanted population; ca — and; kartā — creator; syām — would be; upahanyām — would destroy; imāḥ — all these; prajāḥ — living entities
Understanding the Verse
In Chapter 3, known as the Karma‑Yoga chapter, Lord Krishna emphasizes that action performed in accordance with one’s dharma is essential for the maintenance of the cosmic order. Verse 24 serves as a pivotal reminder of the responsibility that a spiritual teacher bears. Krishna, speaking to Arjuna, declares that his personal withdrawal from duty would not merely affect him, but would have cataclysmic repercussions for the entire creation.
The Sanskrit term "उत्सीदेयुः" (utsīdeyuḥ) literally means "to be ruined" or "to fall into decay." By asserting that the worlds ("लोका") would be "उत्सीदेयुर्हि" if he ceases his actions, Krishna highlights the interdependence of all realms – physical, subtle, and spiritual. The stability of the universe hinges on the harmonious performance of prescribed duties, a principle that resonates throughout the Gita’s teaching on selfless service.
Krishna’s self‑reference with "चेदहम्" (ced aham – if I) is not an expression of ego but a demonstration of humility and responsibility. He acknowledges that his role as a divine guide is not optional; it is integral to the preservation of "सङ्करस्य" – the state of confusion or disorder that would arise in his absence. By becoming the "कर्ता" (kartā – creator or cause) of this disorder, he would be the origin of the very chaos that dharma seeks to prevent.
The verse further warns that not only the worlds but also "इमाः प्रजाः" (imāḥ prajāḥ – all these living entities) would be destroyed. This underscores the Gita’s broader ethical stance: individual actions affect the collective. The welfare of humanity is intimately tied to the ethical conduct of its leaders, sages, and even ordinary individuals. When a figure of authority abandons duty, the ripple effect can lead to moral degradation, resulting in the loss of life and the erosion of societal values.
From a philosophical perspective, Krishna’s statement reinforces the concept of "निष्काम कर्म" (self‑less action). The divine does not act for personal gain but for the sustenance of the world order ("धर्म"), thereby setting an example for Arjuna and, by extension, all seekers. The verse also serves as a rebuttal to any notion that renunciation of duty is a path to liberation; rather, it asserts that enlightened action, performed without attachment, is the true means to sustain life and attain spiritual freedom.
In practical terms, this teaching can be applied to modern life: leaders in families, corporations, and governments must recognize that their decisions impact societies at large. Neglecting responsibility can lead to economic decline, social unrest, and environmental degradation. Krishna’s warning invites each individual to consider the larger canvas of existence and to act in a manner that upholds the welfare of all beings.
Thus, Chapter 3 Verse 24 encapsulates the Gita’s timeless message: duty performed with righteousness sustains the cosmos, while abandonment of duty precipitates chaos and destruction. It is a call to conscious, self‑less action, urging every soul to contribute positively to the grand tapestry of life.
