Chapter 3 - Karma-yoga

[Bhava dasa (ACBSP)]

Summary Outline of Bhagavad-gita As It Is: Chapter 3 - Karma Yoga
(The Yoga of Selfless Action)

In Chapter 3, Krishna expands on the concept of karma yoga—the path of selfless action. He explains why action is necessary, how it should be performed without attachment to results, and how it leads to spiritual liberation.

1. Arjuna’s Doubt About Action vs. Knowledge (Verses 1-2)
• Arjuna is confused: If knowledge (jnana) is superior, why should he engage in battle?
• He asks Krishna to clarify whether knowledge or action is the right path.

2. The Necessity of Action (Verses 3-9)
• Krishna explains that both knowledge (jnana yoga) and action (karma yoga) lead to liberation, but action is necessary for most people.
• Complete renunciation of action is not practical—one cannot remain inactive.
• Performing duty selflessly (karma yoga) is superior to renouncing action.
• Sacrificial action (yajna) purifies a person and maintains cosmic balance.

3. The Principle of Yajna (Sacrifice) (Verses 10-16)
• Sacrifice (yajna) is essential for harmony in the universe.
• The cycle of creation:
• Sacrifice → Rain → Food → Life
• When humans offer actions as sacrifice, they align with divine order.
• Selfish actions disrupt this balance and lead to bondage.

4. The Duty of a Leader (Verses 17-24)
• A wise person should act selflessly to set an example for others.
• Even Krishna himself performs duty, though He has nothing to gain.
• If great leaders act selfishly, others will follow and society will decline.

5. The Three Modes of Material Nature (Verses 25-35)
• People act according to guna (modes of nature)—sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance).
• Action should align with one’s nature (svadharma).
• It is better to perform one’s own duty imperfectly than to follow another’s duty perfectly.

6. The Root Cause of Sin: Desire and Anger (Verses 36-43)
• Arjuna asks why people commit sinful acts even unwillingly.
• Krishna explains that desire and anger (born of rajas) are the greatest enemies.
• How to overcome them?
• Control the senses.
• Develop spiritual intelligence.
• Engage in karma yoga with detachment.

Conclusion

Chapter 3 emphasizes selfless action as the path to liberation. Krishna teaches that:
1. Action is necessary—one cannot escape duty.
2. Performing duty without attachment leads to spiritual growth.
3. Sacrificial action (yajna) maintains harmony in the world.
4. Desire and anger are the main obstacles to self-realization.

This chapter prepares Arjuna for deeper teachings on devotion and self-surrender in later chapters.