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
“اے سوت! ہمیں اس کرم یوگ کا بیان کرو جو عمل میں مجسم ہو کر ظاہر ہوتا ہے۔” یوں سننے کے مشتاق برہمن آپ کے سامنے جمع ہو کر کھڑے رہے۔
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.