Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 22
Karma-vāda Critiqued, Varṇāśrama Reframed, and the Soul’s Distinction from the Body
अन्तरायैरविहितो यदि धर्म: स्वनुष्ठित: । तेनापि निर्जितं स्थानं यथा गच्छति तच्छृणु ॥ २२ ॥
antarāyair avihito yadi dharmaḥ sv-anuṣṭhitaḥ tenāpi nirjitaṁ sthānaṁ yathā gacchati tac chṛṇu
Si l’on accomplit son dharma et les rites védiques sans obstacle ni souillure, on obtient une demeure céleste; mais même ce fruit est vaincu par le Temps. Écoute donc.
The word gacchati means “going.” In Bhagavad-gītā Lord Kṛṣṇa states, āgamāpāyino ’nityāḥ: all material experiences, good or bad, come and go. Therefore the word gacchati refers to the disappearance of the results of even the most meticulously performed fruitive sacrifices. Any material situation, from the worst to the best, is imperfect. Thus one should strive only for pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
FAQs
This verse teaches that when one executes one’s prescribed duty (svadharma) properly and without being hindered by impediments, that very dharma can secure (conquer) a destined result or abode.
In the Uddhava Gītā, Kṛṣṇa is systematically explaining paths of practice—dharma, knowledge, and devotion—and here He introduces how properly performed duty yields its destined attainment, setting up the next explanation of how that destination is reached.
Do your responsibilities sincerely and consistently, minimizing self-created distractions and compromises; steady, unobstructed discipline builds the inner clarity and momentum that supports higher spiritual goals.