Shloka 15
Bhakti Yoga: The Three Modes of Devotion, Non-Envy, and Time as the Lord
निषेवितेनानिमित्तेन स्वधर्मेण महीयसा । क्रियायोगेन शस्तेन नातिहिंस्रेण नित्यश: ॥ १५ ॥
niṣevitenānimittena sva-dharmeṇa mahīyasā kriyā-yogena śastena nātihiṁsreṇa nityaśaḥ
A devotee should perform one’s glorious prescribed duty without seeking material profit, and daily practice the śāstra-approved kriyā-yoga of devotion, avoiding excessive violence.
One has to execute his prescribed duties according to his social position as a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra. The prescribed duties of the four classes of men in human society are also described in Bhagavad-gītā. The activities of brāhmaṇas are to control the senses and to become simple, clean, learned devotees. The kṣatriyas have the spirit for ruling, they are not afraid on the battlefield, and they are charitable. The vaiśyas, or the mercantile class of men, trade in commodities, protect cows and develop agricultural produce. The śūdras, or laborer class, serve the higher classes because they themselves are not very intelligent.
FAQs
This verse teaches that regularly performing one’s prescribed duty (svadharma) without ulterior motive purifies the heart when done as a proper, regulated spiritual practice.
Kapila instructs Devahuti on practical steps toward purification and devotion, explaining that disciplined, selfless action—done properly and with minimal harm—supports progress in bhakti.
Do your responsibilities conscientiously and consistently, reduce harm where possible, and offer the results to God—turning daily work into a purifying spiritual discipline.