Shloka 9
Dharma, Purity, and the Inner Purpose of the Vedas
Karma-kāṇḍa Reoriented to Bhakti
कर्मण्यो गुणवान् कालो द्रव्यत: स्वत एव वा । यतो निवर्तते कर्म स दोषोऽकर्मक: स्मृत: ॥ ९ ॥
karmaṇyo guṇavān kālo dravyataḥ svata eva vā yato nivartate karma sa doṣo ’karmakaḥ smṛtaḥ
当特定的时间因其本质或因具备适当的器具而适合履行规定的职责时，该时间被认为是纯净的。阻碍履行职责的时间则被认为是不洁的。
Having discussed pure and impure places, the Lord now discusses different qualities of time. Certain times, such as the brāhma-muhūrta, the last few hours before sunrise, are always auspicious for spiritual advancement. Other times, not auspicious in themselves, become so by achievement of material prosperity that facilitates one’s mission in life.
FAQs
This verse states that while time, the modes, and material causes can drive work, the factor that stops proper engagement is considered a defect—i.e., unproductive inactivity rather than spiritually purposeful renunciation.
In the Uddhava Gītā, Kṛṣṇa trains Uddhava in discernment about karma, guṇas, and liberation—clarifying that mere inactivity is not the goal; one should rise above the modes through right understanding and devotional engagement.
Don’t mistake procrastination or inertia for spirituality. Use time and resources to perform duty with clarity and devotion, replacing tamasic inactivity with meaningful, God-centered action.