Shloka 20

Karma Yoga — Karma Yoga

Devanagari script

कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः । लोकसंग्रहमेवापि संपश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि ॥ ३.२० ॥

Transliteration

karmaṇaiva hi saṁsiddhim āsthitā janakādayaḥ | loka-saṅgraham evāpi sampaśyan kartum arhasi || 3.20 ||

Translation

เพราะด้วยกรรมเท่านั้น พระชนกะและท่านทั้งหลายได้บรรลุความสำเร็จอันสมบูรณ์; และแม้โดยคำนึงถึง ‘โลกสังคหะ’ คือการธำรงรักษาโลกไว้ เธอก็ควรกระทำกรรม

Gita Press Meaning

For by action alone Janaka and others attained perfection; even with a view to the maintenance of the world, you ought to act.

Critical Edition Meaning

Indeed, by action alone Janaka and others reached fulfillment; and even considering the holding-together of the world (loka-saṅgraha), you should act.

Comparative Note

Janaka functions as an exemplar of a ruler-sage active in the world. Traditional readings emphasize ‘perfection’ as spiritual attainment; academic readings highlight loka-saṅgraha as social cohesion—responsible action by leaders stabilizes norms and institutions.

Word by Word

• कर्मणा: by action (by work)
• कर्मणा: Karana
• Root: कर्मन्

• एव: indeed; alone; only
• Root: एव

• हि: for; indeed (emphatic/causal particle)
• Root: हि

• संसिद्धिम्: perfection; complete accomplishment
• संसिद्धिम्: Karma
• Root: संसिद्धि

• आस्थिताः: having resorted to; having undertaken
• आस्थिताः: Karta
• Root: आ√स्था

• जनक: Janaka (the king)
• Root: जनक

• आदयः: and others; beginning with
• आदयः: Karta
• Root: आदि

• लोकसंग्रहम्: the maintenance/holding-together of the world (social order)
• लोकसंग्रहम्: Karma
• Root: लोकसंग्रह

• एव: indeed; only
• Root: एव

• अपि: also; even
• Root: अपि

• संपश्यन्: seeing; considering; keeping in view
• Root: सम्√पश्

• कर्तुम्: to do; to perform
• Root: कृ

• अर्हसि: you ought; you are fit (to)
• Root: अर्ह्

Speakers

• Krishna
• Arjuna

Primary Concepts

• Loka-saṅgraha (world-maintenance)
• Karma-yoga
• Exemplary leadership
• Saṁsiddhi (fulfillment/perfection)

Key Themes

• Action as public responsibility
• Role-model ethics
• Compatibility of realization and engagement

FAQs

Psychological significance?

It highlights motivation beyond self-interest: acting for collective well-being can stabilize identity and reduce inner conflict about personal sacrifice.

Metaphysical meaning?

It implies that spiritual maturity can coexist with worldly roles, since action done without attachment need not obstruct liberation.

Contextual relevance?

Krishna answers the temptation to withdraw by pointing to precedents (Janaka) and by introducing the principle of sustaining social order.

Modern Application?

A leadership ethic: those with influence should act responsibly because their choices shape norms, trust, and institutional stability.