Chapter 3, Verses 25–26

Verse 25

सक्ताः attached, कर्मणि to action, अविद्वांसः the ignorant, यथा as, कुर्वन्ति act, भारत O Bharata, कुर्यात् should act, विद्वान् the wise, तथा so, असक्तः unattached, चिकीर्षुः wishing, लोकसंग्रहम् the welfare of the world. Commentary: The ignorant man works in expectation of fruits. He says, I will do such and such work and will get such and such fruit. But the wise man who knows the Self, serves not for his own end. He should so act that the world, following his example, would attain peace, harmony, purity of heart, divine light and knowledge. A wise man is one who knows the Self. (Cf.II.64III.19XVIII.49).

Verse 26

न not, बुद्धिभेदम् unsettlement in the mind, जनयेत् should produce, अज्ञानाम् of the ignorant, कर्मसङ्गिनाम् of the persons attached to actions, जोषयेत् should engage, सर्वकर्माणि all actions, विद्वान् the wise, युक्तः balanced, समाचरन् performing. Commentary: An ignorant may says to himelf, I shall do this action and ther y enjoy its fruit. A wise man should not unsettle his belief. On the contrary he himself should set an example by performing his duties diligently but without attachment. The wise man should also persuade the ignorant never to neglect their duties. If need be, he should place before them in vivid colours the happiness they would enjoy here and hereafter by discharging such duties. When their hearts get purified in course of time, the wise man could sow the seeds of Karma Yoga (selfless service without deire) in them.