Karma Yoga is the path of selfless action performed without attachment to the results, as taught in Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita.

Who is the expert on this translation?

Pedro Nonell is the expert translator, specializing in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramakrishna, and Vivekananda.

Karma Yoga: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Analysis & Verses

Bhagavad Gita 3.19 Work without attachment, you will attain Brahman

Training: Bhagavad Gita Course - Karma Yoga Course - Master in Bhagavad Gita

Welcome to this profound exploration of Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita, dedicated to the Yoga of Action (Karma Yoga). In this pivotal chapter, Sri Krishna resolves Arjuna’s confusion regarding the choice between a life of contemplation and a life of activity.

Through the expert lens of Pedro Nonell—a renowned specialist in the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta, and the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda—we delve into the science of selfless action. By performing our duties without attachment to the results, we transform work into worship and move closer to realizing God.

This chapter is available in English and Spanish translation by Pedro Nonell.

Pedro Nonell, expert in Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta
Professor: Pedro Nonell (Expert on Swami Vivekananda, translator, and commentator of the Bhagavad Gita into Spanish)

Chapter 3 Bhagavad Gita (Gandhi) Karma Yoga, Selfless Action (Spanish / English)

Bhagavad Gita Training, Gandhi, comments Sivananda (Spanish) Philosophy of Yoga
Gita according Gandhi, translated into Spanish by Pedro Nonell

You only have the right to Work, not its fruits. Gita 2-47 (Sankhya Yoga)
Karma Yoga Doctrine

Bhagavad Gita 3.4 Karma Yoga of Selfless Action

Bhagavad Gita (Philosophy of Yoga) III-3 Sankhya and Karma Yoga
Sankhya Yoga (Philosophy)

He who has acquired Brahma-Jnana, or knowledge of Brahman, sees everything as Brahman. In all the different manifestations of nature, he sees the Atman, and therefore considers everything equally. For him everything that exists, regardless of its name and form, is made of a single substance: Brahman (Atman). That is why he has love and compassion for all creatures on our planet.

Bhagavad Gita 5.18. He who has acquired Brahma-Jnana, or knowledge of Brahman, sees everything as Brahman

Bhagavad Gita in Spanish Karma Yoga Bhagavad Gita Bhagavad Gita in Portuguese Carmaioga.

Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita: The Yoga of Action (Karma Yoga)

Download Pedro Nonell's free Spanish translation of the Gita according to Gandhi

Outline

Outline of Chapter 3 Yoga of Action (Philosophy Karma) Bhagavad Gita Course

Read the first fifteen verses of this chapter

Arjuna said:

1. O Janardana, if Thou hold that the attitude of detachment is superior to action, then why, O Keshava, do Thou urge me to such dreadful action?

2. Thou seem to confuse my understanding with Thy disconcerting words; Tell me, therefore, with certain words, how I can achieve salvation.

The First 15 Shlokas

The Lord said:

3. I have spoken to you before, O sinless man, of two attitudes in this World: that of the Sankhyas, by the Yoga of Knowledge (Jnana) and that of the Yogis, by Karma Yoga (Yoga of action).

4. Man does not match the Actionless state of Brahman by mere non-performance of work, nor does he attain perfection by renunciation only.

5. Because nothing remains inactive even for a moment; everyone acts obliged by the Gunas inherent to Prakriti

6. He who represses the organs of action, but allows the mind to reside in sensory objects, such a person, totally deluded, is a hypocrite.

7. But he, O Arjuna, who, keeping all his senses under the control of the mind, surrenders himself to Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action), without attachment, that man attains excellence,

8. Do your assigned duty; because action is superior to inaction; even normal life would not be possible with inaction.

9. This world of men suffers the slavery of all actions, except those that are done as a sacrifice; To this end, O Kaunteya, perform the action without attachment.

10. Along with the sacrifice, the Lord of beings created humanity, declaring: “Thus you will multiply; May this be for you the giver of all your desires.

11. “With this you will be able to please the gods and have the gods please you; Thus you please each other so that you can achieve the greatest good.

12. “Pleased by the sacrifice, the gods will grant you the desired blessings.” He who enjoys his gifts without offering them anything, he is a true thief.

13. The righteous man who eats the residue of the sacrifice is freed from all without, but the wicked who cook only for themselves, they eat without.

14. Life is born from food, food is born from rain; From sacrifice comes rain and sacrifice is the result of action.

15. Action emanates from Brahman and Brahman from the Imperishable; hence the omnipresent Brahman is always firmly established in sacrifice.

Etc.

This is how the third chapter ends titled Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action)

dialogue Krishna and Arjuna, Science Philosophy of Yoga Brahman, Upanishad Bhagavad Gita

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Karma Yoga according to Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita?

Karma Yoga is the path of selfless action. It teaches that while we have the right to work, we are not entitled to the fruits of our labor. By acting without attachment, one attains the Absolute.

Who is Pedro Nonell?

Pedro Nonell is a leading expert and translator of the Bhagavad Gita. He specializes in Advaita Vedanta and the modern applications of the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.

Is it possible to reach God through work?

Yes. Sri Krishna explains that action is superior to inaction. When performed as a sacrifice and offered to God, work becomes a spiritual discipline that purifies the mind.

Why does Sri Krishna urge Arjuna to fight?

Krishna explains that no one can remain inactive even for a moment. Avoiding duty out of delusion is hypocrisy; performing duty with detachment is the way to excellence.

Conclusion

This chapter serves as a spiritual compass for anyone struggling to balance their worldly responsibilities with their inner search for peace. By highlighting the necessity of action over idleness, the Bhagavad Gita teaches us that we do not need to renounce the world to find God; rather, we must renounce our ego and our attachment to the outcomes of our efforts.

Through the expert guidance of Pedro Nonell, the wisdom of the Gita becomes accessible, offering a practical framework for living a life of purpose, discipline, and ultimate spiritual freedom.