सक्ताः कर्मण्यविद्वांसो यथा कुर्वन्ति भारत। कुर्याद्विद्वांस्तथासक्तश्िचकीर्षुर्लोकसंग्रहम्।।3.25।।
saktāḥ karmaṇi avidvāṁso yathā kurvanti bhārata; kuryāt vidvān tathā asaktaḥ cikīrṣuḥ loka-saṅgraham
Translation
As ignorant people perform their duties with attachment to the results, O scion of Bharat, so should the wise act without attachment, for the sake of leading people on the right path.
Word Meanings
saktāḥ — being attached; karmaṇi — in prescribed duties; avidvāṁsaḥ — the ignorant; yathā — as much as; kurvanti — they do; bhārata — O descendant of Bharata; kuryāt — must do; vidvān — the learned; tathā — thus; asaktaḥ — without attachment; cikīrṣuḥ — desiring to lead; loka-saṅgrahaḥ — the people in general
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna highlights a profound contrast between the behavior of the ignorant and the enlightened when it comes to action. The "saktas"—those who are attached—carry out their "karma" only because of the desire for specific outcomes. Their vision is narrow, limited to personal gain, and they remain bound to the cycle of birth and death, because attachment to results keeps the mind restless and ego‑driven. The verse points out that such conduct is not merely a personal flaw but a social danger: when many act only for selfish reward, the collective moral fabric begins to fray.
Contrastingly, the "vidvans"—the wise or learned—are instructed to perform the same duties but "asaktaḥ," i.e., without attachment. This does not mean they neglect action; rather, they dedicate their work to the Divine and to the welfare of "loka‑saṅgraha," the world as a whole. By being free from the ego‑centric motive of personal profit, their actions become pure offerings that sustain the social order and uplift humanity. Krishna’s advice is essentially a call for self‑less service, a cornerstone of the path of Karma Yoga.
The instruction "kuryāt vidvān tathā" is both prescriptive and descriptive. It prescribes that the wise should act in this detached manner, and it also describes how such a life leads to inner peace. When actions are performed without clinging to success or fearing failure, the mind remains steady, and one can maintain equilibrium amid life’s inevitable fluctuations. This steadiness is essential for a spiritual aspirant seeking to realize the higher Self beyond the temporary identity of the body and mind.
Moreover, the phrase "cikīrṣuḥ loka-saṅgraham" underscores the altruistic dimension of the wise’s actions. Their aim extends beyond personal liberation; they actively work for the welfare of society. By leading by example, they inspire others to adopt a more self‑less outlook, gradually transforming the collective consciousness. In this way, the individual's spiritual practice becomes a catalyst for societal evolution.
Krishna’s subtle teaching in 3.25 therefore integrates personal spirituality with social responsibility. It reminds us that true wisdom is manifested not only in inner contemplation but also in outward conduct that benefits the world. By emulating the wise and relinquishing attachment, anyone can contribute to a harmonious, purposeful existence while progressing on the path toward liberation.
