Shloka 24
Karma-Saṃnyāsa–Karma-Yoga Saṃvāda
Renunciation and the Discipline of Action
उत्सीदेयुरिमे लोका न कुर्या कर्म चेदहम् । संकरस्य च कर्ता स्यामुपहन्यामिमा: प्रजा:
utsīdeyur ime lokā na kuryāṁ karma ced aham | saṅkarasya ca kartā syām upahanyām imāḥ prajāḥ ||
“If I were not to perform action, these worlds would fall into ruin. I would become the cause of social and moral confusion, and I would thereby harm—indeed, help destroy—these people.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Arjuna articulates the ethical principle that neglect of one’s rightful duty (karma) can destabilize society: inaction by a responsible agent can trigger moral and social confusion (saṅkara) and ultimately harm the community (prajāḥ).
On the battlefield, Arjuna reasons about the consequences if he refuses to act. He fears that his withdrawal from duty would contribute to societal collapse and make him culpable for disorder and the suffering of the people.