Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 8 Meaning
Perform your bounden duty, for action is superior to inaction, and even the maintenance of the body would not be possible for you through inaction.
BG 3.8
नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः। शरीरयात्रापि च ते न प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः
niyataṁ kuru karma tvaṁ karma jyāyo hyakarmaṇaḥ śharīra-yātrāpi cha te na prasiddhyed akarmaṇaḥ
Meaning
Perform your bounden duty, for action is superior to inaction, and even the maintenance of the body would not be possible for you through inaction.
Available in 28 languages
Explanation & Life Application
This verse from Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: Perform your bounden duty, for action is superior to inaction, and even the maintenance of the body would not be possible for you through inaction.
In The Yoga of Action (Karma Yoga), Krishna explains The path of selfless action, performing one's duty without attachment to results.
— Explained by the Nitya Team
Chapter Context
The path of selfless action, performing one's duty without attachment to results.
Key themes in this chapter include Action, Duty, Selflessness, Work.
When to Apply This Verse
- •When you need steadiness while dealing with action
- •When practicing duty amid uncertainty
- •When applying selflessness to real-life choices
Verse FAQs
What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 3.8?
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 3.8 in daily life?
Related Verses
BG 3.5
Verily, no one can remain for even a moment without performing action; for everyone is made to act helplessly, indeed, by the qualities born of Nature.
BG 3.9
The world is bound by actions other than those performed for the sake of sacrifice; do thou, therefore, O son of Kunti (Arjuna), perform actions for that sake alone, free from attachment.
BG 1.1
Dhritarashtra said, "What did my people and the sons of Pandu do when they had assembled together, eager for battle, on the holy plain of Kurukshetra, O Sanjaya?"
Explore Related Themes
Quote Collections Featuring This Verse
Read in Other Languages
Build a daily reading habit with Nitya
Get the Free App