Shloka 3
Teaching on Karma-yoga
Discipline of Action as Worship
तं कर्मयोगं वद नः सूत मूर्तिमयस्तु यः । इति शुश्रूषवो विप्रा भवदग्रे व्यवस्थिताः
taṃ karmayogaṃ vada naḥ sūta mūrtimayastu yaḥ | iti śuśrūṣavo viprā bhavadagre vyavasthitāḥ
“Wahai Sūta, khabarkan kepada kami tentang Karma-yoga itu, yang terjelma nyata dalam amalan.” Demikianlah para brāhmaṇa yang ingin mendengar berhimpun berdiri di hadapanmu.
Brāhmaṇas (sages) addressing Sūta
Concept: Karma-yoga must be ‘mūrtimān’—made tangible as lived discipline, not merely discussed as theory.
Application: Ask for actionable steps: daily duties done with integrity, non-attachment to results, and a devotional intention before beginning work.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A circle of brāhmaṇa sages stands respectfully before Sūta in a forest hermitage hall, palms joined, their faces bright with disciplined curiosity. The air feels charged with the promise of a teaching that will turn doctrine into daily conduct, as palm-leaf manuscripts and a sacrificial fire glow nearby.","primary_figures":["Sūta","brāhmaṇa sages (viprāḥ)"],"setting":"Naimiṣāraṇya-style āśrama sabhā with kuśa grass seats, a small agni-kuṇḍa, and hanging garlands; manuscripts on a low wooden stand.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["saffron ochre","smoke gray","leaf green","sandalwood beige","vermillion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Sūta seated on a carved wooden āsana beneath a stylized canopy, brāhmaṇa sages standing in a semicircle with añjali-mudrā, a small sacred fire at the center; gold leaf embellishment on halos, ornaments, and manuscript edges; rich reds and greens, gem-studded details, traditional South Indian iconography for the teaching assembly.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a quiet hermitage court with slender trees and distant hills, Sūta as the central narrator, sages in white with delicate facial features and fine linework; cool natural palette with lyrical naturalism, subtle gestures of inquiry, and a small fire rendered with orange highlights.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, warm red/yellow/green pigments; Sūta with expressive eyes and stylized features, sages arranged symmetrically, sacred fire and palm-leaf manuscripts emphasized; temple-wall aesthetic with ornamental borders and rhythmic composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a devotional teaching pavilion framed by lotus and floral borders; sages in orderly rows, peacocks at the edge, hanging garlands; deep blues and gold accents, intricate textile-like patterning, with subtle Viṣṇu symbols (śaṅkha-cakra motifs) woven into the border to hint at Vaiṣṇava framing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["forest birds","soft temple bells","crackling fire","gentle silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मूर्तिमयः + तु → मूर्तिमयस्तु (अः + त् → स्त्). भवत् + अग्रे → भवदग्रे (त् + अ → द + अ).
FAQs
It frames a formal instruction scene: attentive brāhmaṇas gather before Sūta and request a clear explanation of Karma-yoga.
It suggests Karma-yoga should be explained not only as an idea but as a lived, concrete discipline expressed through observable conduct and duties.
The verse highlights humility and disciplined inquiry—seeking guidance from an authoritative teacher and valuing attentive listening as part of dharmic learning.