Chapter 4 · Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga - The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of ActionKrishna
Verse 15
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 4, श्लोक 15
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
एवं ज्ञात्वा कृतं कर्म पूर्वैरपि मुमुक्षुभिः।
कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वं पूर्वैः पूर्वतरं कृतम्॥
Transliteration
Evam Jnatva Kritam Karma Purvair-Api Mumukshubhih.
Kuru Karma-Iva Tasmat-Tvam Purvaih Purvataram Kritam.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
एवम्evamthus
ज्ञात्वाjnatvaknowing
कृतम्kritamperformed
कर्मkarmaaction
पूर्वैःpurvaihby the ancients
अपिapialso
मुमुक्षुभिःmumukshubhihby those seeking liberation
कुरुkuruperform
कर्मkarmaaction
एवevacertainly
तस्मात्tasmattherefore
त्वम्tvamyou
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
इस प्रकार जानकर प्राचीन काल में मुमुक्षुओं (मोक्ष चाहने वालों) ने भी कर्म किए हैं। इसलिए तुम भी पूर्वजों द्वारा पूर्वकाल से किए गए कर्म करो।
English Translation
Knowing this, the ancient seekers of liberation also performed actions. Therefore, you too should perform action as the ancients did in former times.
Commentary (टीका)
Krishna encourages Arjuna by citing the example of ancient sages who, even while seeking liberation, continued to perform their duties. This counters the notion that spiritual seekers should abandon action. The wise of the past performed action with knowledge and detachment, and Arjuna should follow their example rather than retreating from his duty as a warrior.