Bhagavad Gita — Karma Yoga, Shloka 26
The Yoga of Action
न बुद्धिभेदं जनयेदज्ञानां कर्मसङ्गिनाम् । जोषयेत्सर्वकर्माणि विद्वान्युक्तः समाचरन् ॥ ३.२६ ॥
na buddhibhedaṁ janayed ajñānāṁ karmasaṅginām | joṣayet sarvakarmāṇi vidvān yuktaḥ samācaran || 3.26 ||
智ある者は、行為に執着する無知な者たちの理解を乱し、分裂を生じさせてはならない。むしろ自らを統御し、正しく実践しつつ、彼らにあらゆる行為を行わせよ。
Let not the wise create division in the understanding of the ignorant who are attached to action; rather, being disciplined, he should encourage them to perform all actions.
The knowing person should not produce a split in the cognition of the unknowing who are attached to action; acting in disciplined yoga, he should cause them to take pleasure in (or be engaged in) all actions.
Joṣayet can be read as ‘encourage/engage’ or ‘gladden/make content.’ Traditional interpretations often emphasize compassionate pedagogy: reform without destabilizing those not ready for renunciation.
FAQs
Abruptly challenging a person’s motivational structure can provoke defensiveness; supportive modeling can shift habits more sustainably.
The verse implies differing levels of readiness: insight should be communicated in a way that preserves functional engagement while refining intention.
It continues the theme that the wise act for collective welfare, including guiding others without causing confusion or cynicism about duty.
In education or leadership, introduce deeper rationales without ridiculing existing motivations; channel them toward responsible practice.