Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga - The Yoga of Selfless ActionKrishna
Verse 7
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 3, श्लोक 7
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
यस्त्विन्द्रियाणि मनसा नियम्यारभतेऽर्जुन।
कर्मेन्द्रियैः कर्मयोगमसक्तः स विशिष्यते॥७॥
Transliteration
Yas-Tv-Indriyani Manasa Niyamya-Arabhate'rjuna.
Karma-Indriyaih Karma-Yogam-Asaktah Sa Vishishyate.||7||
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
यःyahwho
तुtubut
इन्द्रियाणिindriyanithe senses
मनसाmanasaby the mind
नियम्यniyamyacontrolling
आरभतेarabhatebegins
कर्मेन्द्रियैःkarma-indriyaihwith the organs of action
कर्मयोगम्karma-yogamthe yoga of action
असक्तःasaktahwithout attachment
सःsahhe
विशिष्यतेvishishyateexcels
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
परन्तु हे अर्जुन! जो मन से इन्द्रियों को नियन्त्रित करके, अनासक्त होकर कर्मेन्द्रियों द्वारा कर्मयोग का आचरण करता है, वह श्रेष्ठ है।
English Translation
But one who controls the senses with the mind and engages the organs of action in Karma Yoga without attachment, O Arjuna, is far superior.
Commentary (टीका)
This verse presents the ideal of Karma Yoga — acting with full engagement of body and senses, while the mind remains detached and controlled. The key word is 'asakta' (unattached). It is not action that binds, but attachment to its fruits. This is the practical formula for spiritual life in the world.