Shloka 26

Karma Yoga — Karma Yoga

Devanagari script

न बुद्धिभेदं जनयेदज्ञानां कर्मसङ्गिनाम् । जोषयेत्सर्वकर्माणि विद्वान्युक्तः समाचरन् ॥ ३.२६ ॥

Transliteration

na buddhibhedaṁ janayed ajñānāṁ karmasaṅginām | joṣayet sarvakarmāṇi vidvān yuktaḥ samācaran || 3.26 ||

Translation

Мудрый не должен вносить разлад в понимание невежественных, привязанных к действию; напротив, будучи собранным и дисциплинированным, сам правильно действуя, пусть побуждает их совершать все дела.

Gita Press Meaning

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.

Critical Edition Meaning

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.

Comparative Note

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.

Word by Word

• न: not
• Root: न

• बुद्धिभेदम्: division/confusion of understanding
• बुद्धिभेदम्: Karma
• Root: बुद्धि-भेद

• जनयेत्: should generate/produce
• Root: √जन् (जनयति)

• अज्ञानाम्: of the ignorant (persons)
• Root: अज्ञ

• कर्मसङ्गिनाम्: of those attached to action (and its fruits)
• Root: कर्म-सङ्गिन्

• जोषयेत्: should cause to take delight/should encourage
• Root: √जुष् (जोषयति)

• सर्वकर्माणि: all actions
• सर्वकर्माणि: Karma
• Root: सर्व-कर्मन्

• विद्वान्: the wise person
• विद्वान्: Karta
• Root: विद्वस्

• युक्तः: yoked; disciplined; integrated (in yoga)
• Root: √युज् (युक्त)

• समाचरन्: while performing/practising properly
• Root: सम्-आ-√चर् (चरति)

Speakers

• Krishna

Primary Concepts

• Upāya (skillful means)
• Karma
• Yoga (discipline)

Key Themes

• Ethical instruction
• Gradual transformation
• Non-disruptive guidance

FAQs

Psychological significance?

Abruptly challenging a person’s motivational structure can provoke defensiveness; supportive modeling can shift habits more sustainably.

Metaphysical meaning?

The verse implies differing levels of readiness: insight should be communicated in a way that preserves functional engagement while refining intention.

Contextual relevance?

It continues the theme that the wise act for collective welfare, including guiding others without causing confusion or cynicism about duty.

Modern Application?

In education or leadership, introduce deeper rationales without ridiculing existing motivations; channel them toward responsible practice.