Chapter 3 Verses 3.17–35
Niṣkāma-karma-yoga to Set the Right Example
3.17–19 A self-realized soul need not work, yet he works as an obligation with detachment
3.20–24 Kings like Janaka and even Kṛṣṇa engage in work to set example, as common people follow a great person.
3.25–29 A karma-yogī works with detachment and doesn’t disturb the ignorant men who think themselves the doers.
3.30–32 Working for Kṛṣṇa and the results of following and not following His orders
3.33–35 One should do one’s own duty according to one’s nature for purification, instead of imitating others.
- 3.1-2 Arjuna's confusion – 'Renunciation or Action?'
- 3.3-16 Renunciation (jñāna-yoga) is difficult; prescribed action with detachment (niṣkāma-karma-yoga) is better for Arjuna; go from karma-kāṇḍa to karma-yoga.
- 3.17-35 Even if qualified for renunciation, Arjuna should do niṣkāma-karma-yoga to set the right example.
- 3.36-43 Lust is a formidable enemy; conquer it by deliberate spiritual intelligence.
The last step leads back to the first.