प्रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढाः सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु। तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान्कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत्।।3.29।।
prakrteh guṇa‑sammudhah sajjante guṇa‑karmasu | taan akrtsna‑vidah mandaan krtasna‑vit na vichalayet
Translation
Those deluded by material nature's modes become attached to the results of their actions; but the fully knowledgeable, wise person should not agitate the lazy, ignorant ones.
Word Meanings
prakṛteḥ — of material nature; guṇa — mode; sammūḍhāḥ — deluded; sajjante — become engaged; guṇa‑karmasu — in mode‑driven activities; tān — those; akṛtsna‑vidaḥ — persons of poor knowledge; mandān — lazy; kṛtsna‑vit — fully knowledgeable; na — not; vicālayet — should agitate
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna clarifies the attitude a yogi of knowledge must adopt toward those who are bound by the three gunas (qualities) of nature. The first part of the verse describes people who are "prakṛteḥ guṇa‑sammūḍhāḥ" – that is, they are bewildered and misled by the influence of material nature. Because of this confusion they become "sajjante guṇa‑karmasu", meaning they engage themselves in actions driven by the modes of goodness, passion, and ignorance and become attached to the fruits of these deeds. Their sense of identity is thus tied to the outcomes of their activities, which inevitably leads to further bondage and suffering.\n\nThe second part of the verse offers guidance for the wise. Krishna addresses those who possess "akṛtsna‑vidah" – a clear, comprehensive knowledge of the self and reality. This knowledge removes the veil of delusion and reveals the true nature of the soul beyond the temporary results of material actions. Such a person is also "kṛtsna‑vit", fully equipped with the practical wisdom needed to act without being swayed by desire or aversion. The wise are therefore instructed "na vicālayet" – they should not disturb or agitate the "mandān" – the lazy and ignorant individuals who are still entangled in the gunas. Trying to forcibly change their mindset would only create resistance and conflict; instead, the enlightened one remains compassionate, offering guidance by example and allowing the natural process of self‑realization to unfold at its own pace.\n\nKrishna's instruction reflects a profound principle of yoga: the importance of acting with discernment and compassion while respecting the free‑will of others. By not stirring the lazy, the sage maintains harmony in the world and preserves his own equanimity. The verse also underscores the idea that transformation is possible only when the seeker is ready, and that premature attempts to “wake up” someone who is not yet prepared may be counter‑productive. In the broader context of Chapter 3, which deals with Karma‑yoga, this verse balances the active engagement in worldly duties with the inner detachment that comes from true knowledge. It reassures the practitioner that while they must perform their prescribed actions, they should also cultivate the wisdom to recognize when to intervene and when to simply observe, thereby fostering both personal liberation and a peaceful society.
