NISKAMA-KARMA TO SET CORRECT EXAMPLE (3.17 – 3.35)

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXT 3.35
The following three angles may help one understand why one should rather perform one’s own duty although imperfectly, than do another’s, although he can do it perfectly

1. Accepting another’s duty promotes whimsicality and thus ultimately creates havoc – It creates the option to reject his duty if it proves uncomfortable and thus invites a fall to the platform of accepting and rejecting in terms of sense gratification

2. Accepting another’s duty causes a social disruption – Prescribed duties are given not only for personal purification but also to have a stable society of different integrated parts. If one decides to change his activities, those who depend on him for certain needs, may be let down.

3. Accepting another’s duty is not as easy as one thinks – One’s conditioned tendencies run deeper than he realizes. Giving up one’s natural work is very difficult. Engaging in unnatural work promotes dissatisfaction and thus the risk of falldown to immorality escalates.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

LINK BETWEEN 3.33 & 3.34 : Maya, despite one’s intelligence, is invested with the potency to push a conditioned soul away from Krishna consciousness. The next verse answers the question, “If we all are helplessly forced to act according to our natures, what is the use of so many rules in the sastra to regulate our activities?”.

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Analogy for ‘Disobedience’ – As there is punishment for disobedience to the order of the supreme executive head, similarly there is punishment for disobedience to the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead,

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

NOTE: One’s ability to advance in spiritual life is directly connected with his faithful and non-envious acceptance of Krishna and His teachings. Even if one is not at the stage of devotion mentioned in Text 3.30, as long as he is sincerely faithful to the words of Krishna, he will ultimately qualify for pure devotional service.

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

LINK BETWEEN 3.25 & 3.26 : If a person in knowledge is expected to set an example, then why don’t they set an example of renunciation?
ANSWER: Most people are not qualified to follow the example of renunciation. If an attached person renounces worldly responsibilities, he will eventually try to
fulfill desires through irresponsible means.

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) This verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)

This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43

(b) ‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are

We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions.
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison.

(c) Suggestion to prevent us from imitating – One should consider the position of the Ishvaras (controllers) who can actually control the movements of the sun and moon; therefore we cannot imitate the Ishvaras who are super powerful; one should simply follow their instructions.

Text 3.25

THEME : Compares attached and detached worker and thus establishes that self-realized person performs duties to set proper example for common people

‘Ignorant’ – work with attachment
‘Self-realized’
⇒ Work without attachment
⇒ To set the example and lead people on the right path
Basis of differentiation between attached and detached worker – ‘Desire’

PLEASE NOTE :

Text 3.26 is covered after Texts 3.27 and 3.28.
Texts 3.25, 3.27 & 3.28 deal with a common them: The differences between the attached and detached worker.
Texts 3.26 and 3.29 deal with another common them: How a detached person deals with an attached person.

Text 3.27 – 3.28

COMMON THEME : Differences in consciousness of ‘Ignorant’ (Material consciousness) and ‘Knower of Absolute Truth’ (Krishna consciousness).

Study purports 3.25; 3.27 – 3.28 to find out the differences in the following points:
ATTACHED WORKER (Ignorance) vs DETACHED WORKER (Knower of Absolute Truth)

S no	DIFFERENTIATING THEME	ATTACHED WORKER (3.27)	DETACHED WORKER (3.28)
1	‘One’ differentiating factor – Desire	Desires own sense gratification	Desires Krishna’s satisfaction
2	Convictions	Convinced by false ego that he is the doer of everything	Convinced of his awkward position in material association
3	Knowledge of Identity	Does not know that body is produced by material nature which works under the supervision of the Lord Does not know that he is under the control of Krishna Symptoms of nescience (Ignorance or not knowing) – One takes all the credit for doing things independently	Knows his real identity as part and parcel of the Supreme, who is eternal bliss and knowledge Knows that somehow he is entrapped in the material conception of life Meaning of “tattva-vit” – Ref. SB One who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features and knows one’s factual position in relationship with the Supreme
4	Engagements	Does not engage his bodily and mental activity in the service of Krishna; because he forgets that the Supreme Lord is Hrsikesha (The master of the senses)	Engages himself in the activities of Krishna consciousness and thus naturally gets unattached from activities of material senses
5	Consequences	One forgets the Supreme Personality of Godhead	Consequence of knowledge is that he is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions; and considers all reactions to be the mercy of the Lord

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Definition of ‘Acarya’ – An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect personal behavior

(b) Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ‘teaching’

One should behave properly before he begins teaching
e.g. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes

(c) What are the ‘Standard books/scriptures for humanity’ – The revealed scriptures like Manu Samhita and similar others.

(d) What is the ‘basis of leaders’ teachings’ – These should be based on the principles of such standard sastras.

Text 3.22 – 3.24

COMMON THEME : Second example of performing duties as a leader – “Krishna also performs prescribed duties” although He has no material desires.

1. Why He has no prescribed duties (Bg. 3.22)

There is no work prescribed for Me within all three planetary systems
Nor am I in want of anything; Nor have I the need to obtain anything
Srila Prabhupada gives a supporting reference – Ref Svetasvatara Upanisad Bg. 6.7-6.8 – Describes Krishna as Supreme self-sufficient, beyond all the prescribed duties o Conclusion – Since everything is in full opulence in the Personality of Godhead and is existing in full truth, there is no duty for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

2. Why He still carefully performs prescribed duties (Bg. 3.23)

To set example
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)

3. What if He does not follow (Bg. 3.24)

All the worlds would be put into ruination, because all would follow My path
Unwanted population (Varna-sankara) will be created
“I would thereby destroy the peace of all living beings”

Learnings from Purport 3.24 (purport of 3.22 & 3.23 covered above in common theme)

(a) This verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)

This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43

(b) ‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are

We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions.
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison.

Text 3.25

THEME : Compares attached and detached worker and thus establishes that self-realized person performs duties to set proper example for common people

‘Ignorant’ – work with attachment
‘Self-realized’
⇒ Work without attachment
⇒ To set the example and lead people on the right path
Basis of differentiation between attached and detached worker – ‘Desire’

PLEASE NOTE :

Text 3.26 is covered after Texts 3.27 and 3.28.
Texts 3.25, 3.27 & 3.28 deal with a common them: The differences between the attached and detached worker.
Texts 3.26 and 3.29 deal with another common them: How a detached person deals with an attached person.

Text 3.27 – 3.28

COMMON THEME : Differences in consciousness of ‘Ignorant’ (Material consciousness) and ‘Knower of Absolute Truth’ (Krishna consciousness).

Study purports 3.25; 3.27 – 3.28 to find out the differences in the following points:
ATTACHED WORKER (Ignorance) vs DETACHED WORKER (Knower of Absolute Truth)

S no	DIFFERENTIATING THEME	ATTACHED WORKER (3.27)	DETACHED WORKER (3.28)
1	‘One’ differentiating factor – Desire	Desires own sense gratification	Desires Krishna’s satisfaction
2	Convictions	Convinced by false ego that he is the doer of everything	Convinced of his awkward position in material association
3	Knowledge of Identity	Does not know that body is produced by material nature which works under the supervision of the Lord Does not know that he is under the control of Krishna Symptoms of nescience (Ignorance or not knowing) – One takes all the credit for doing things independently	Knows his real identity as part and parcel of the Supreme, who is eternal bliss and knowledge Knows that somehow he is entrapped in the material conception of life Meaning of “tattva-vit” – Ref. SB One who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features and knows one’s factual position in relationship with the Supreme
4	Engagements	Does not engage his bodily and mental activity in the service of Krishna; because he forgets that the Supreme Lord is Hrsikesha (The master of the senses)	Engages himself in the activities of Krishna consciousness and thus naturally gets unattached from activities of material senses
5	Consequences	One forgets the Supreme Personality of Godhead	Consequence of knowledge is that he is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions; and considers all reactions to be the mercy of the Lord

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Definition of ‘Acarya’ – An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect personal behavior

(b) Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ‘teaching’

One should behave properly before he begins teaching
e.g. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes

(c) What are the ‘Standard books/scriptures for humanity’ – The revealed scriptures like Manu Samhita and similar others.

(d) What is the ‘basis of leaders’ teachings’ – These should be based on the principles of such standard sastras.

Text 3.22 – 3.24

COMMON THEME : Second example of performing duties as a leader – “Krishna also performs prescribed duties” although He has no material desires.

1. Why He has no prescribed duties (Bg. 3.22)

There is no work prescribed for Me within all three planetary systems
Nor am I in want of anything; Nor have I the need to obtain anything
Srila Prabhupada gives a supporting reference – Ref Svetasvatara Upanisad Bg. 6.7-6.8 – Describes Krishna as Supreme self-sufficient, beyond all the prescribed duties o Conclusion – Since everything is in full opulence in the Personality of Godhead and is existing in full truth, there is no duty for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

2. Why He still carefully performs prescribed duties (Bg. 3.23)

To set example
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)

3. What if He does not follow (Bg. 3.24)

All the worlds would be put into ruination, because all would follow My path
Unwanted population (Varna-sankara) will be created
“I would thereby destroy the peace of all living beings”

Learnings from Purport 3.24 (purport of 3.22 & 3.23 covered above in common theme)

(a) This verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)

This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43

(b) ‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are

We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions.
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison.

Text 3.25

THEME : Compares attached and detached worker and thus establishes that self-realized person performs duties to set proper example for common people

‘Ignorant’ – work with attachment
‘Self-realized’
⇒ Work without attachment
⇒ To set the example and lead people on the right path
Basis of differentiation between attached and detached worker – ‘Desire’

PLEASE NOTE :

Text 3.26 is covered after Texts 3.27 and 3.28.
Texts 3.25, 3.27 & 3.28 deal with a common them: The differences between the attached and detached worker.
Texts 3.26 and 3.29 deal with another common them: How a detached person deals with an attached person.

Text 3.27 – 3.28

COMMON THEME : Differences in consciousness of ‘Ignorant’ (Material consciousness) and ‘Knower of Absolute Truth’ (Krishna consciousness).

Study purports 3.25; 3.27 – 3.28 to find out the differences in the following points:
ATTACHED WORKER (Ignorance) vs DETACHED WORKER (Knower of Absolute Truth)

S no	DIFFERENTIATING THEME	ATTACHED WORKER (3.27)	DETACHED WORKER (3.28)
1	‘One’ differentiating factor – Desire	Desires own sense gratification	Desires Krishna’s satisfaction
2	Convictions	Convinced by false ego that he is the doer of everything	Convinced of his awkward position in material association
3	Knowledge of Identity	Does not know that body is produced by material nature which works under the supervision of the Lord Does not know that he is under the control of Krishna Symptoms of nescience (Ignorance or not knowing) – One takes all the credit for doing things independently	Knows his real identity as part and parcel of the Supreme, who is eternal bliss and knowledge Knows that somehow he is entrapped in the material conception of life Meaning of “tattva-vit” – Ref. SB One who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features and knows one’s factual position in relationship with the Supreme
4	Engagements	Does not engage his bodily and mental activity in the service of Krishna; because he forgets that the Supreme Lord is Hrsikesha (The master of the senses)	Engages himself in the activities of Krishna consciousness and thus naturally gets unattached from activities of material senses
5	Consequences	One forgets the Supreme Personality of Godhead	Consequence of knowledge is that he is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions; and considers all reactions to be the mercy of the Lord

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Why Janak Maharaja had no obligation for Vedic prescribed duties – Because he was a selfrealized soul

(b) Why still he performed his prescribed duties

Just to set an example
As the King of Mithila, he had to teach his subjects how to perform prescribed duties

(c) Another example quotes by Srila Prabhupada to emphasize the need for prescribed duties – Krishna and Arjuna fought on the battlefield to teach people in general that “violence is necessary where good arguments fail”

(d) How experienced persons in Krishna consciousness act

Without any interest in the world; still works to teach the public how to live and how to act
Experienced persons act in such a way that others will follow

Text 3.21

THEME: A leader should perform prescribed duties to set an example for others.

Learnings from Purport 3.21

(a) Definition of ‘Acarya’ – An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect personal behavior

(b) Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ‘teaching’

One should behave properly before he begins teaching
e.g. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes

(c) What are the ‘Standard books/scriptures for humanity’ – The revealed scriptures like Manu Samhita and similar others.

(d) What is the ‘basis of leaders’ teachings’ – These should be based on the principles of such standard sastras.

Text 3.22 – 3.24

COMMON THEME : Second example of performing duties as a leader – “Krishna also performs prescribed duties” although He has no material desires.

1. Why He has no prescribed duties (Bg. 3.22)

There is no work prescribed for Me within all three planetary systems
Nor am I in want of anything; Nor have I the need to obtain anything
Srila Prabhupada gives a supporting reference – Ref Svetasvatara Upanisad Bg. 6.7-6.8 – Describes Krishna as Supreme self-sufficient, beyond all the prescribed duties o Conclusion – Since everything is in full opulence in the Personality of Godhead and is existing in full truth, there is no duty for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

2. Why He still carefully performs prescribed duties (Bg. 3.23)

To set example
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)

3. What if He does not follow (Bg. 3.24)

All the worlds would be put into ruination, because all would follow My path
Unwanted population (Varna-sankara) will be created
“I would thereby destroy the peace of all living beings”

Learnings from Purport 3.24 (purport of 3.22 & 3.23 covered above in common theme)

(a) This verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)

This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43

(b) ‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are

We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions.
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison.

Text 3.25

THEME : Compares attached and detached worker and thus establishes that self-realized person performs duties to set proper example for common people

‘Ignorant’ – work with attachment
‘Self-realized’
⇒ Work without attachment
⇒ To set the example and lead people on the right path
Basis of differentiation between attached and detached worker – ‘Desire’

PLEASE NOTE :

Text 3.26 is covered after Texts 3.27 and 3.28.
Texts 3.25, 3.27 & 3.28 deal with a common them: The differences between the attached and detached worker.
Texts 3.26 and 3.29 deal with another common them: How a detached person deals with an attached person.

Text 3.27 – 3.28

COMMON THEME : Differences in consciousness of ‘Ignorant’ (Material consciousness) and ‘Knower of Absolute Truth’ (Krishna consciousness).

Study purports 3.25; 3.27 – 3.28 to find out the differences in the following points:
ATTACHED WORKER (Ignorance) vs DETACHED WORKER (Knower of Absolute Truth)

S no	DIFFERENTIATING THEME	ATTACHED WORKER (3.27)	DETACHED WORKER (3.28)
1	‘One’ differentiating factor – Desire	Desires own sense gratification	Desires Krishna’s satisfaction
2	Convictions	Convinced by false ego that he is the doer of everything	Convinced of his awkward position in material association
3	Knowledge of Identity	Does not know that body is produced by material nature which works under the supervision of the Lord Does not know that he is under the control of Krishna Symptoms of nescience (Ignorance or not knowing) – One takes all the credit for doing things independently	Knows his real identity as part and parcel of the Supreme, who is eternal bliss and knowledge Knows that somehow he is entrapped in the material conception of life Meaning of “tattva-vit” – Ref. SB One who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features and knows one’s factual position in relationship with the Supreme
4	Engagements	Does not engage his bodily and mental activity in the service of Krishna; because he forgets that the Supreme Lord is Hrsikesha (The master of the senses)	Engages himself in the activities of Krishna consciousness and thus naturally gets unattached from activities of material senses
5	Consequences	One forgets the Supreme Personality of Godhead	Consequence of knowledge is that he is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions; and considers all reactions to be the mercy of the Lord

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Why Janak Maharaja had no obligation for Vedic prescribed duties – Because he was a selfrealized soul

(b) Why still he performed his prescribed duties

Just to set an example
As the King of Mithila, he had to teach his subjects how to perform prescribed duties

(d) How experienced persons in Krishna consciousness act

Without any interest in the world; still works to teach the public how to live and how to act
Experienced persons act in such a way that others will follow

Text 3.21

THEME: A leader should perform prescribed duties to set an example for others.

Learnings from Purport 3.21

(a) Definition of ‘Acarya’ – An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect personal behavior

(b) Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ‘teaching’

One should behave properly before he begins teaching
e.g. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes

(c) What are the ‘Standard books/scriptures for humanity’ – The revealed scriptures like Manu Samhita and similar others.

(d) What is the ‘basis of leaders’ teachings’ – These should be based on the principles of such standard sastras.

Text 3.22 – 3.24

COMMON THEME : Second example of performing duties as a leader – “Krishna also performs prescribed duties” although He has no material desires.

1. Why He has no prescribed duties (Bg. 3.22)

There is no work prescribed for Me within all three planetary systems
Nor am I in want of anything; Nor have I the need to obtain anything
Srila Prabhupada gives a supporting reference – Ref Svetasvatara Upanisad Bg. 6.7-6.8 – Describes Krishna as Supreme self-sufficient, beyond all the prescribed duties o Conclusion – Since everything is in full opulence in the Personality of Godhead and is existing in full truth, there is no duty for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

2. Why He still carefully performs prescribed duties (Bg. 3.23)

To set example
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)

3. What if He does not follow (Bg. 3.24)

All the worlds would be put into ruination, because all would follow My path
Unwanted population (Varna-sankara) will be created
“I would thereby destroy the peace of all living beings”

Learnings from Purport 3.24 (purport of 3.22 & 3.23 covered above in common theme)

(a) This verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)

This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43

(b) ‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are

We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions.
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison.

Text 3.25

THEME : Compares attached and detached worker and thus establishes that self-realized person performs duties to set proper example for common people

‘Ignorant’ – work with attachment
‘Self-realized’
⇒ Work without attachment
⇒ To set the example and lead people on the right path
Basis of differentiation between attached and detached worker – ‘Desire’

PLEASE NOTE :

Text 3.26 is covered after Texts 3.27 and 3.28.
Texts 3.25, 3.27 & 3.28 deal with a common them: The differences between the attached and detached worker.
Texts 3.26 and 3.29 deal with another common them: How a detached person deals with an attached person.

Text 3.27 – 3.28

COMMON THEME : Differences in consciousness of ‘Ignorant’ (Material consciousness) and ‘Knower of Absolute Truth’ (Krishna consciousness).

Study purports 3.25; 3.27 – 3.28 to find out the differences in the following points:
ATTACHED WORKER (Ignorance) vs DETACHED WORKER (Knower of Absolute Truth)

S no	DIFFERENTIATING THEME	ATTACHED WORKER (3.27)	DETACHED WORKER (3.28)
1	‘One’ differentiating factor – Desire	Desires own sense gratification	Desires Krishna’s satisfaction
2	Convictions	Convinced by false ego that he is the doer of everything	Convinced of his awkward position in material association
3	Knowledge of Identity	Does not know that body is produced by material nature which works under the supervision of the Lord Does not know that he is under the control of Krishna Symptoms of nescience (Ignorance or not knowing) – One takes all the credit for doing things independently	Knows his real identity as part and parcel of the Supreme, who is eternal bliss and knowledge Knows that somehow he is entrapped in the material conception of life Meaning of “tattva-vit” – Ref. SB One who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features and knows one’s factual position in relationship with the Supreme
4	Engagements	Does not engage his bodily and mental activity in the service of Krishna; because he forgets that the Supreme Lord is Hrsikesha (The master of the senses)	Engages himself in the activities of Krishna consciousness and thus naturally gets unattached from activities of material senses
5	Consequences	One forgets the Supreme Personality of Godhead	Consequence of knowledge is that he is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions; and considers all reactions to be the mercy of the Lord

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Two meanings of ‘Supreme’

The Supreme is the Personality of Godhead for the devotees
The Supreme is liberation for the impersonalists

(b) Certainty of progress for Krishna conscious devotees – A person acting in Krishna consciousness under proper guidance and without attachment to the results, is certainly making progress towards the Supreme goal of life.

To act on behalf of the Supreme, without attachment for the result
Example of ‘Personal Attachment‘ – To be a good man or a non-violent man e.g. Arjuna wants to avoid fighting; but is told to fight for the interest of Krishna.

(d) Vedic rituals vs Krishna consciousness

Purpose of Vedic rituals like prescribed sacrifices – They are performed for purification of impious activities that were performed in the field of sense gratification
Action in Krishna consciousness – Such action is transcendental to the reactions of good and evil work
o A Krishna conscious person acts only on behalf of Krishna and has no attachment to the results
o Engages in all kinds of activities but is completely unattached

Text 3.20

THEME: Example of perfection achieved by a leader by performance of prescribed duties

Kings such as Janaka attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties
Therefore perform your work just for educating the people in general

Learnings from Purport 3.20

(a) Why Janak Maharaja had no obligation for Vedic prescribed duties – Because he was a selfrealized soul

(b) Why still he performed his prescribed duties

Just to set an example
As the King of Mithila, he had to teach his subjects how to perform prescribed duties

(d) How experienced persons in Krishna consciousness act

Without any interest in the world; still works to teach the public how to live and how to act
Experienced persons act in such a way that others will follow

Text 3.21

THEME: A leader should perform prescribed duties to set an example for others.

Learnings from Purport 3.21

(a) Definition of ‘Acarya’ – An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect personal behavior

(b) Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ‘teaching’

One should behave properly before he begins teaching
e.g. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes

(c) What are the ‘Standard books/scriptures for humanity’ – The revealed scriptures like Manu Samhita and similar others.

(d) What is the ‘basis of leaders’ teachings’ – These should be based on the principles of such standard sastras.

Text 3.22 – 3.24

COMMON THEME : Second example of performing duties as a leader – “Krishna also performs prescribed duties” although He has no material desires.

1. Why He has no prescribed duties (Bg. 3.22)

There is no work prescribed for Me within all three planetary systems
Nor am I in want of anything; Nor have I the need to obtain anything
Srila Prabhupada gives a supporting reference – Ref Svetasvatara Upanisad Bg. 6.7-6.8 – Describes Krishna as Supreme self-sufficient, beyond all the prescribed duties o Conclusion – Since everything is in full opulence in the Personality of Godhead and is existing in full truth, there is no duty for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

2. Why He still carefully performs prescribed duties (Bg. 3.23)

To set example
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)

3. What if He does not follow (Bg. 3.24)

All the worlds would be put into ruination, because all would follow My path
Unwanted population (Varna-sankara) will be created
“I would thereby destroy the peace of all living beings”

Learnings from Purport 3.24 (purport of 3.22 & 3.23 covered above in common theme)

(a) This verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)

This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43

(b) ‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are

We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions.
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison.

Text 3.25

THEME : Compares attached and detached worker and thus establishes that self-realized person performs duties to set proper example for common people

‘Ignorant’ – work with attachment
‘Self-realized’
⇒ Work without attachment
⇒ To set the example and lead people on the right path
Basis of differentiation between attached and detached worker – ‘Desire’

PLEASE NOTE :

Text 3.26 is covered after Texts 3.27 and 3.28.
Texts 3.25, 3.27 & 3.28 deal with a common them: The differences between the attached and detached worker.
Texts 3.26 and 3.29 deal with another common them: How a detached person deals with an attached person.

Text 3.27 – 3.28

COMMON THEME : Differences in consciousness of ‘Ignorant’ (Material consciousness) and ‘Knower of Absolute Truth’ (Krishna consciousness).

Study purports 3.25; 3.27 – 3.28 to find out the differences in the following points:
ATTACHED WORKER (Ignorance) vs DETACHED WORKER (Knower of Absolute Truth)

S no	DIFFERENTIATING THEME	ATTACHED WORKER (3.27)	DETACHED WORKER (3.28)
1	‘One’ differentiating factor – Desire	Desires own sense gratification	Desires Krishna’s satisfaction
2	Convictions	Convinced by false ego that he is the doer of everything	Convinced of his awkward position in material association
3	Knowledge of Identity	Does not know that body is produced by material nature which works under the supervision of the Lord Does not know that he is under the control of Krishna Symptoms of nescience (Ignorance or not knowing) – One takes all the credit for doing things independently	Knows his real identity as part and parcel of the Supreme, who is eternal bliss and knowledge Knows that somehow he is entrapped in the material conception of life Meaning of “tattva-vit” – Ref. SB One who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features and knows one’s factual position in relationship with the Supreme
4	Engagements	Does not engage his bodily and mental activity in the service of Krishna; because he forgets that the Supreme Lord is Hrsikesha (The master of the senses)	Engages himself in the activities of Krishna consciousness and thus naturally gets unattached from activities of material senses
5	Consequences	One forgets the Supreme Personality of Godhead	Consequence of knowledge is that he is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions; and considers all reactions to be the mercy of the Lord

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

(a) Two meanings of ‘Supreme’

The Supreme is the Personality of Godhead for the devotees
The Supreme is liberation for the impersonalists

To act on behalf of the Supreme, without attachment for the result
Example of ‘Personal Attachment‘ – To be a good man or a non-violent man e.g. Arjuna wants to avoid fighting; but is told to fight for the interest of Krishna.

(d) Vedic rituals vs Krishna consciousness

Purpose of Vedic rituals like prescribed sacrifices – They are performed for purification of impious activities that were performed in the field of sense gratification
Action in Krishna consciousness – Such action is transcendental to the reactions of good and evil work
o A Krishna conscious person acts only on behalf of Krishna and has no attachment to the results
o Engages in all kinds of activities but is completely unattached

Text 3.20

THEME: Example of perfection achieved by a leader by performance of prescribed duties

Kings such as Janaka attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties
Therefore perform your work just for educating the people in general

Learnings from Purport 3.20

(a) Why Janak Maharaja had no obligation for Vedic prescribed duties – Because he was a selfrealized soul

(b) Why still he performed his prescribed duties

Just to set an example
As the King of Mithila, he had to teach his subjects how to perform prescribed duties

(d) How experienced persons in Krishna consciousness act

Without any interest in the world; still works to teach the public how to live and how to act
Experienced persons act in such a way that others will follow

Text 3.21

THEME: A leader should perform prescribed duties to set an example for others.

Learnings from Purport 3.21

(a) Definition of ‘Acarya’ – An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect personal behavior

(b) Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ‘teaching’

One should behave properly before he begins teaching
e.g. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes

(c) What are the ‘Standard books/scriptures for humanity’ – The revealed scriptures like Manu Samhita and similar others.

(d) What is the ‘basis of leaders’ teachings’ – These should be based on the principles of such standard sastras.

Text 3.22 – 3.24

COMMON THEME : Second example of performing duties as a leader – “Krishna also performs prescribed duties” although He has no material desires.

1. Why He has no prescribed duties (Bg. 3.22)

There is no work prescribed for Me within all three planetary systems
Nor am I in want of anything; Nor have I the need to obtain anything
Srila Prabhupada gives a supporting reference – Ref Svetasvatara Upanisad Bg. 6.7-6.8 – Describes Krishna as Supreme self-sufficient, beyond all the prescribed duties o Conclusion – Since everything is in full opulence in the Personality of Godhead and is existing in full truth, there is no duty for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

2. Why He still carefully performs prescribed duties (Bg. 3.23)

To set example
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)

3. What if He does not follow (Bg. 3.24)

All the worlds would be put into ruination, because all would follow My path
Unwanted population (Varna-sankara) will be created
“I would thereby destroy the peace of all living beings”

Learnings from Purport 3.24 (purport of 3.22 & 3.23 covered above in common theme)

(a) This verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)

This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43

(b) ‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are

We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions.
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison.

Text 3.25

THEME : Compares attached and detached worker and thus establishes that self-realized person performs duties to set proper example for common people

‘Ignorant’ – work with attachment
‘Self-realized’
⇒ Work without attachment
⇒ To set the example and lead people on the right path
Basis of differentiation between attached and detached worker – ‘Desire’

PLEASE NOTE :

Text 3.26 is covered after Texts 3.27 and 3.28.
Texts 3.25, 3.27 & 3.28 deal with a common them: The differences between the attached and detached worker.
Texts 3.26 and 3.29 deal with another common them: How a detached person deals with an attached person.

Text 3.27 – 3.28

COMMON THEME : Differences in consciousness of ‘Ignorant’ (Material consciousness) and ‘Knower of Absolute Truth’ (Krishna consciousness).

Study purports 3.25; 3.27 – 3.28 to find out the differences in the following points:
ATTACHED WORKER (Ignorance) vs DETACHED WORKER (Knower of Absolute Truth)

S no	DIFFERENTIATING THEME	ATTACHED WORKER (3.27)	DETACHED WORKER (3.28)
1	‘One’ differentiating factor – Desire	Desires own sense gratification	Desires Krishna’s satisfaction
2	Convictions	Convinced by false ego that he is the doer of everything	Convinced of his awkward position in material association
3	Knowledge of Identity	Does not know that body is produced by material nature which works under the supervision of the Lord Does not know that he is under the control of Krishna Symptoms of nescience (Ignorance or not knowing) – One takes all the credit for doing things independently	Knows his real identity as part and parcel of the Supreme, who is eternal bliss and knowledge Knows that somehow he is entrapped in the material conception of life Meaning of “tattva-vit” – Ref. SB One who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features and knows one’s factual position in relationship with the Supreme
4	Engagements	Does not engage his bodily and mental activity in the service of Krishna; because he forgets that the Supreme Lord is Hrsikesha (The master of the senses)	Engages himself in the activities of Krishna consciousness and thus naturally gets unattached from activities of material senses
5	Consequences	One forgets the Supreme Personality of Godhead	Consequence of knowledge is that he is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions; and considers all reactions to be the mercy of the Lord

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

How a Krishna conscious person is free from all other obligations and prescribed duties, save and except his activities in Krishna consciousness – It is all due to the following reasons:

Krishna consciousness purifies – Due to Krishna consciousness, all impiety within is instantly cleansed.
Fixed in identity – By clearing of consciousness, one becomes fully confident of his eternal relationship with the Supreme.
Self-illuminated – Then one becomes self-illuminated by the grace of the Lord
Loses all material interests – Such a person is no longer interested in material activities and no longer takes pleasure in material elements like wine, women and similar infatuations.
Free from all obligations – Krishna conscious man oes not take shelter of any person, man or demigod; thus free from all obligations.

Text 3.19 – 3.21

COMMON THEME : Such great people or purified souls perform prescribed duties without attachment to set the proper example for the common man

Why a self-realized soul works (3.20 – 3.21):
 To set the example e.g. Janaka Maharaja
How he works (3.19):
 With detachment from fruits
 As a matter of duty, under proper guidance
 For Krishna
Benefits of such work (3.19):
 One attains the Supreme
2 examples of leaders who perform their duties just to “set an example”
 Janaka Maharaja (3.20)
 Krishna, Himself as a householder (3.22 – 3.24)

Text 3.19

THEME: Prescribed duties as the recommended path to attain the Supreme

One should act as a matter of duty without being attached to the fruits
By working without attachment one attains the Supreme

Learnings from Purport 3.19

(a) Two meanings of ‘Supreme’

The Supreme is the Personality of Godhead for the devotees
The Supreme is liberation for the impersonalists

To act on behalf of the Supreme, without attachment for the result
Example of ‘Personal Attachment‘ – To be a good man or a non-violent man e.g. Arjuna wants to avoid fighting; but is told to fight for the interest of Krishna.

(d) Vedic rituals vs Krishna consciousness

Purpose of Vedic rituals like prescribed sacrifices – They are performed for purification of impious activities that were performed in the field of sense gratification
Action in Krishna consciousness – Such action is transcendental to the reactions of good and evil work
o A Krishna conscious person acts only on behalf of Krishna and has no attachment to the results
o Engages in all kinds of activities but is completely unattached

Text 3.20

THEME: Example of perfection achieved by a leader by performance of prescribed duties

Kings such as Janaka attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties
Therefore perform your work just for educating the people in general

Learnings from Purport 3.20

(a) Why Janak Maharaja had no obligation for Vedic prescribed duties – Because he was a selfrealized soul

(b) Why still he performed his prescribed duties

Just to set an example
As the King of Mithila, he had to teach his subjects how to perform prescribed duties

(d) How experienced persons in Krishna consciousness act

Without any interest in the world; still works to teach the public how to live and how to act
Experienced persons act in such a way that others will follow

Text 3.21

THEME: A leader should perform prescribed duties to set an example for others.

Learnings from Purport 3.21

(a) Definition of ‘Acarya’ – An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect personal behavior

(b) Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ‘teaching’

One should behave properly before he begins teaching
e.g. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes

(c) What are the ‘Standard books/scriptures for humanity’ – The revealed scriptures like Manu Samhita and similar others.

(d) What is the ‘basis of leaders’ teachings’ – These should be based on the principles of such standard sastras.

Text 3.22 – 3.24

COMMON THEME : Second example of performing duties as a leader – “Krishna also performs prescribed duties” although He has no material desires.

1. Why He has no prescribed duties (Bg. 3.22)

There is no work prescribed for Me within all three planetary systems
Nor am I in want of anything; Nor have I the need to obtain anything
Srila Prabhupada gives a supporting reference – Ref Svetasvatara Upanisad Bg. 6.7-6.8 – Describes Krishna as Supreme self-sufficient, beyond all the prescribed duties o Conclusion – Since everything is in full opulence in the Personality of Godhead and is existing in full truth, there is no duty for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

2. Why He still carefully performs prescribed duties (Bg. 3.23)

To set example
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)

3. What if He does not follow (Bg. 3.24)

All the worlds would be put into ruination, because all would follow My path
Unwanted population (Varna-sankara) will be created
“I would thereby destroy the peace of all living beings”

Learnings from Purport 3.24 (purport of 3.22 & 3.23 covered above in common theme)

(a) This verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)

This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43

(b) ‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are

We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions.
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison.

Text 3.25

THEME : Compares attached and detached worker and thus establishes that self-realized person performs duties to set proper example for common people

‘Ignorant’ – work with attachment
‘Self-realized’
⇒ Work without attachment
⇒ To set the example and lead people on the right path
Basis of differentiation between attached and detached worker – ‘Desire’

PLEASE NOTE :

Text 3.26 is covered after Texts 3.27 and 3.28.
Texts 3.25, 3.27 & 3.28 deal with a common them: The differences between the attached and detached worker.
Texts 3.26 and 3.29 deal with another common them: How a detached person deals with an attached person.

Text 3.27 – 3.28

COMMON THEME : Differences in consciousness of ‘Ignorant’ (Material consciousness) and ‘Knower of Absolute Truth’ (Krishna consciousness).

Study purports 3.25; 3.27 – 3.28 to find out the differences in the following points:
ATTACHED WORKER (Ignorance) vs DETACHED WORKER (Knower of Absolute Truth)

S no	DIFFERENTIATING THEME	ATTACHED WORKER (3.27)	DETACHED WORKER (3.28)
1	‘One’ differentiating factor – Desire	Desires own sense gratification	Desires Krishna’s satisfaction
2	Convictions	Convinced by false ego that he is the doer of everything	Convinced of his awkward position in material association
3	Knowledge of Identity	Does not know that body is produced by material nature which works under the supervision of the Lord Does not know that he is under the control of Krishna Symptoms of nescience (Ignorance or not knowing) – One takes all the credit for doing things independently	Knows his real identity as part and parcel of the Supreme, who is eternal bliss and knowledge Knows that somehow he is entrapped in the material conception of life Meaning of “tattva-vit” – Ref. SB One who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features and knows one’s factual position in relationship with the Supreme
4	Engagements	Does not engage his bodily and mental activity in the service of Krishna; because he forgets that the Supreme Lord is Hrsikesha (The master of the senses)	Engages himself in the activities of Krishna consciousness and thus naturally gets unattached from activities of material senses
5	Consequences	One forgets the Supreme Personality of Godhead	Consequence of knowledge is that he is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions; and considers all reactions to be the mercy of the Lord

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

How a Krishna conscious person is free from all other obligations and prescribed duties, save and except his activities in Krishna consciousness – It is all due to the following reasons:

Krishna consciousness purifies – Due to Krishna consciousness, all impiety within is instantly cleansed.
Fixed in identity – By clearing of consciousness, one becomes fully confident of his eternal relationship with the Supreme.
Self-illuminated – Then one becomes self-illuminated by the grace of the Lord
Loses all material interests – Such a person is no longer interested in material activities and no longer takes pleasure in material elements like wine, women and similar infatuations.
Free from all obligations – Krishna conscious man oes not take shelter of any person, man or demigod; thus free from all obligations.

Text 3.19 – 3.21

COMMON THEME : Such great people or purified souls perform prescribed duties without attachment to set the proper example for the common man

Why a self-realized soul works (3.20 – 3.21):
 To set the example e.g. Janaka Maharaja
How he works (3.19):
 With detachment from fruits
 As a matter of duty, under proper guidance
 For Krishna
Benefits of such work (3.19):
 One attains the Supreme
2 examples of leaders who perform their duties just to “set an example”
 Janaka Maharaja (3.20)
 Krishna, Himself as a householder (3.22 – 3.24)

Text 3.19

THEME: Prescribed duties as the recommended path to attain the Supreme

One should act as a matter of duty without being attached to the fruits
By working without attachment one attains the Supreme

Learnings from Purport 3.19

(a) Two meanings of ‘Supreme’

The Supreme is the Personality of Godhead for the devotees
The Supreme is liberation for the impersonalists

To act on behalf of the Supreme, without attachment for the result
Example of ‘Personal Attachment‘ – To be a good man or a non-violent man e.g. Arjuna wants to avoid fighting; but is told to fight for the interest of Krishna.

(d) Vedic rituals vs Krishna consciousness

Purpose of Vedic rituals like prescribed sacrifices – They are performed for purification of impious activities that were performed in the field of sense gratification
Action in Krishna consciousness – Such action is transcendental to the reactions of good and evil work
o A Krishna conscious person acts only on behalf of Krishna and has no attachment to the results
o Engages in all kinds of activities but is completely unattached

Text 3.20

THEME: Example of perfection achieved by a leader by performance of prescribed duties

Kings such as Janaka attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties
Therefore perform your work just for educating the people in general

Learnings from Purport 3.20

(a) Why Janak Maharaja had no obligation for Vedic prescribed duties – Because he was a selfrealized soul

(b) Why still he performed his prescribed duties

Just to set an example
As the King of Mithila, he had to teach his subjects how to perform prescribed duties

(d) How experienced persons in Krishna consciousness act

Without any interest in the world; still works to teach the public how to live and how to act
Experienced persons act in such a way that others will follow

Text 3.21

THEME: A leader should perform prescribed duties to set an example for others.

Learnings from Purport 3.21

(a) Definition of ‘Acarya’ – An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect personal behavior

(b) Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ‘teaching’

One should behave properly before he begins teaching
e.g. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes

(c) What are the ‘Standard books/scriptures for humanity’ – The revealed scriptures like Manu Samhita and similar others.

(d) What is the ‘basis of leaders’ teachings’ – These should be based on the principles of such standard sastras.

Text 3.22 – 3.24

COMMON THEME : Second example of performing duties as a leader – “Krishna also performs prescribed duties” although He has no material desires.

1. Why He has no prescribed duties (Bg. 3.22)

There is no work prescribed for Me within all three planetary systems
Nor am I in want of anything; Nor have I the need to obtain anything
Srila Prabhupada gives a supporting reference – Ref Svetasvatara Upanisad Bg. 6.7-6.8 – Describes Krishna as Supreme self-sufficient, beyond all the prescribed duties o Conclusion – Since everything is in full opulence in the Personality of Godhead and is existing in full truth, there is no duty for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

2. Why He still carefully performs prescribed duties (Bg. 3.23)

To set example
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)

3. What if He does not follow (Bg. 3.24)

All the worlds would be put into ruination, because all would follow My path
Unwanted population (Varna-sankara) will be created
“I would thereby destroy the peace of all living beings”

Learnings from Purport 3.24 (purport of 3.22 & 3.23 covered above in common theme)

(a) This verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)

This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43

(b) ‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are

We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions.
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison.

Text 3.25

THEME : Compares attached and detached worker and thus establishes that self-realized person performs duties to set proper example for common people

‘Ignorant’ – work with attachment
‘Self-realized’
⇒ Work without attachment
⇒ To set the example and lead people on the right path
Basis of differentiation between attached and detached worker – ‘Desire’

PLEASE NOTE :

Text 3.26 is covered after Texts 3.27 and 3.28.
Texts 3.25, 3.27 & 3.28 deal with a common them: The differences between the attached and detached worker.
Texts 3.26 and 3.29 deal with another common them: How a detached person deals with an attached person.

Text 3.27 – 3.28

COMMON THEME : Differences in consciousness of ‘Ignorant’ (Material consciousness) and ‘Knower of Absolute Truth’ (Krishna consciousness).

Study purports 3.25; 3.27 – 3.28 to find out the differences in the following points:
ATTACHED WORKER (Ignorance) vs DETACHED WORKER (Knower of Absolute Truth)

S no	DIFFERENTIATING THEME	ATTACHED WORKER (3.27)	DETACHED WORKER (3.28)
1	‘One’ differentiating factor – Desire	Desires own sense gratification	Desires Krishna’s satisfaction
2	Convictions	Convinced by false ego that he is the doer of everything	Convinced of his awkward position in material association
3	Knowledge of Identity	Does not know that body is produced by material nature which works under the supervision of the Lord Does not know that he is under the control of Krishna Symptoms of nescience (Ignorance or not knowing) – One takes all the credit for doing things independently	Knows his real identity as part and parcel of the Supreme, who is eternal bliss and knowledge Knows that somehow he is entrapped in the material conception of life Meaning of “tattva-vit” – Ref. SB One who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features and knows one’s factual position in relationship with the Supreme
4	Engagements	Does not engage his bodily and mental activity in the service of Krishna; because he forgets that the Supreme Lord is Hrsikesha (The master of the senses)	Engages himself in the activities of Krishna consciousness and thus naturally gets unattached from activities of material senses
5	Consequences	One forgets the Supreme Personality of Godhead	Consequence of knowledge is that he is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions; and considers all reactions to be the mercy of the Lord

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

Progress Chapter 1 50%

NISKAMA-KARMA-YOGA TO SET EXAMPLE (3.17 - 3.35)

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One in full knowledge is above material attachment. He does not need prescribed duties for purification. Still he acts, setting the example for those who are less knowledgeable.

LINK WITH PREVIOUS SECTION : : A Niskama-Karma yogi may conclude: “My prescribed duties are meant to bring material reward. But I do not have any material desire in this life, nor do I desire Svargaloka. I know I am not this body. So why should I need to perform my prescribed duties.” In the
following verses (3.17 – 3.32) Krishna explains why one freed from material desires should nevertheless perform his duties.

Text 3.17 – 3.18

COMMON THEME : Self-realized soul is free from all material duties – Yes, one with no material desires and who is already purified has no need of material duties nor has he any aversion to them.

IMPORTANT POINTS :

Sastra and guru assigns one duty according to his material attachments.
One is given activities to purify him while letting him fulfill his desires in a regulated way.
The only person free from duties is the self-realisation man because he has no desires to fulfill, nor any purification to achieve.

Learnings from Purport 3.17 – 3.18

How a Krishna conscious person is free from all other obligations and prescribed duties, save and except his activities in Krishna consciousness – It is all due to the following reasons:

Krishna consciousness purifies – Due to Krishna consciousness, all impiety within is instantly cleansed.
Fixed in identity – By clearing of consciousness, one becomes fully confident of his eternal relationship with the Supreme.
Self-illuminated – Then one becomes self-illuminated by the grace of the Lord
Loses all material interests – Such a person is no longer interested in material activities and no longer takes pleasure in material elements like wine, women and similar infatuations.
Free from all obligations – Krishna conscious man oes not take shelter of any person, man or demigod; thus free from all obligations.

Text 3.19 – 3.21

COMMON THEME : Such great people or purified souls perform prescribed duties without attachment to set the proper example for the common man

Why a self-realized soul works (3.20 – 3.21):
 To set the example e.g. Janaka Maharaja
How he works (3.19):
 With detachment from fruits
 As a matter of duty, under proper guidance
 For Krishna
Benefits of such work (3.19):
 One attains the Supreme
2 examples of leaders who perform their duties just to “set an example”
 Janaka Maharaja (3.20)
 Krishna, Himself as a householder (3.22 – 3.24)

Text 3.19

THEME: Prescribed duties as the recommended path to attain the Supreme

One should act as a matter of duty without being attached to the fruits
By working without attachment one attains the Supreme

Learnings from Purport 3.19

(a) Two meanings of ‘Supreme’

The Supreme is the Personality of Godhead for the devotees
The Supreme is liberation for the impersonalists

To act on behalf of the Supreme, without attachment for the result
Example of ‘Personal Attachment‘ – To be a good man or a non-violent man e.g. Arjuna wants to avoid fighting; but is told to fight for the interest of Krishna.

(d) Vedic rituals vs Krishna consciousness

Purpose of Vedic rituals like prescribed sacrifices – They are performed for purification of impious activities that were performed in the field of sense gratification
Action in Krishna consciousness – Such action is transcendental to the reactions of good and evil work
o A Krishna conscious person acts only on behalf of Krishna and has no attachment to the results
o Engages in all kinds of activities but is completely unattached

Text 3.20

THEME: Example of perfection achieved by a leader by performance of prescribed duties

Kings such as Janaka attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties
Therefore perform your work just for educating the people in general

Learnings from Purport 3.20

(a) Why Janak Maharaja had no obligation for Vedic prescribed duties – Because he was a selfrealized soul

(b) Why still he performed his prescribed duties

Just to set an example
As the King of Mithila, he had to teach his subjects how to perform prescribed duties

(d) How experienced persons in Krishna consciousness act

Without any interest in the world; still works to teach the public how to live and how to act
Experienced persons act in such a way that others will follow

Text 3.21

THEME: A leader should perform prescribed duties to set an example for others.

Learnings from Purport 3.21

(a) Definition of ‘Acarya’ – An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect personal behavior

(b) Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ‘teaching’

One should behave properly before he begins teaching
e.g. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes

(c) What are the ‘Standard books/scriptures for humanity’ – The revealed scriptures like Manu Samhita and similar others.

(d) What is the ‘basis of leaders’ teachings’ – These should be based on the principles of such standard sastras.

Text 3.22 – 3.24

COMMON THEME : Second example of performing duties as a leader – “Krishna also performs prescribed duties” although He has no material desires.

1. Why He has no prescribed duties (Bg. 3.22)

There is no work prescribed for Me within all three planetary systems
Nor am I in want of anything; Nor have I the need to obtain anything
Srila Prabhupada gives a supporting reference – Ref Svetasvatara Upanisad Bg. 6.7-6.8 – Describes Krishna as Supreme self-sufficient, beyond all the prescribed duties o Conclusion – Since everything is in full opulence in the Personality of Godhead and is existing in full truth, there is no duty for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

2. Why He still carefully performs prescribed duties (Bg. 3.23)

To set example
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)

3. What if He does not follow (Bg. 3.24)

All the worlds would be put into ruination, because all would follow My path
Unwanted population (Varna-sankara) will be created
“I would thereby destroy the peace of all living beings”

Learnings from Purport 3.24 (purport of 3.22 & 3.23 covered above in common theme)

(a) This verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)

This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43

(b) ‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are

We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions.
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison.

Text 3.25

THEME : Compares attached and detached worker and thus establishes that self-realized person performs duties to set proper example for common people

‘Ignorant’ – work with attachment
‘Self-realized’
⇒ Work without attachment
⇒ To set the example and lead people on the right path
Basis of differentiation between attached and detached worker – ‘Desire’

PLEASE NOTE :

Text 3.26 is covered after Texts 3.27 and 3.28.
Texts 3.25, 3.27 & 3.28 deal with a common them: The differences between the attached and detached worker.
Texts 3.26 and 3.29 deal with another common them: How a detached person deals with an attached person.

Text 3.27 – 3.28

COMMON THEME : Differences in consciousness of ‘Ignorant’ (Material consciousness) and ‘Knower of Absolute Truth’ (Krishna consciousness).

Study purports 3.25; 3.27 – 3.28 to find out the differences in the following points:
ATTACHED WORKER (Ignorance) vs DETACHED WORKER (Knower of Absolute Truth)

S no	DIFFERENTIATING THEME	ATTACHED WORKER (3.27)	DETACHED WORKER (3.28)
1	‘One’ differentiating factor – Desire	Desires own sense gratification	Desires Krishna’s satisfaction
2	Convictions	Convinced by false ego that he is the doer of everything	Convinced of his awkward position in material association
3	Knowledge of Identity	Does not know that body is produced by material nature which works under the supervision of the Lord Does not know that he is under the control of Krishna Symptoms of nescience (Ignorance or not knowing) – One takes all the credit for doing things independently	Knows his real identity as part and parcel of the Supreme, who is eternal bliss and knowledge Knows that somehow he is entrapped in the material conception of life Meaning of “tattva-vit” – Ref. SB One who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features and knows one’s factual position in relationship with the Supreme
4	Engagements	Does not engage his bodily and mental activity in the service of Krishna; because he forgets that the Supreme Lord is Hrsikesha (The master of the senses)	Engages himself in the activities of Krishna consciousness and thus naturally gets unattached from activities of material senses
5	Consequences	One forgets the Supreme Personality of Godhead	Consequence of knowledge is that he is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions; and considers all reactions to be the mercy of the Lord

Text 3.26 & 3.29

COMMON THEME : How a ‘Detached man’ relates to a ‘Man in ignorance’

Not agitate their minds attached to fruitive activities
Not induce them to stop work
Engage them in all activities for gradual Krishna consciousness

IMPORTANT POINTS :

One who realizes the futility of materialistic activities should not encourage the masses to give up work prematurely.
Instead he should encourage them to work by his own example.
Engaging in the prescribed process of purification slowly but surely brings one to genuine selfrealisation, but premature renunciation simply makes one a social parasite.

Learnings from Purport 3.26 & 3.29

(a) Why a self-realized soul should not disturb others who are attached to ‘fruitive acts’ (3.26)

Vedic rituals lead to ultimate goal – Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Conditioned souls study Vedas to a limited end – Conditioned souls do not know anything beyond sense gratification and they study the Vedas to that end.
Give conditioned soul a chance for gradual elevation – Through regulated fruitive activities and sense gratification as per Vedic rituals, one is gradually elevated to Krishna consciousness.

(b) What is the end of all Vedic rituals (3.26)

Ref. Bg. 15.15 All Vedic rituals are meant for understanding Krishna, the ultimate goal of life

‘Manda’ – A lazy person who is too much attached to the bodily consciousness without the understanding of the spirit soul
Their activities
o Accept bodily connections with others as kinsmanship, land of birth as the object of worship and formalities of religious rituals as ends in themselves
o Engages in social work, nationalism and altruism

(d) How devotees are more kind than Lord (3.29)

Lord recommends that for such people spiritual realisation is a myth
o One should not try to agitate materially engrossed persons; better to prosecute one’s own spiritual activities
o Such bewildered persons may be engaged in primary moral principles of life as nonviolence and similar materially benevolent work
But devotees know the heart of the Lord – They undertake all kinds of risks to engage ignorant men in Krishna consciousness (The Absolute necessity for living entity).

LINK BETWEEN 3.29 & 3.30 : While the past several verses have stressed niskama-karma-yoga (detached work), the next verse describes bhakti.

Text 3.30

THEME : Discusses the stage of bhakti-yoga

Recommends to work exclusively for Krishna and teach others to do the same

Surrendering all your works “unto Me”
With full knowledge of Me
Without desires for profit
With no claims of proprietorship
Free from lethargy, FIGHT!

NOTE : The highest level of self-realized work is pure devotional service, above ritualistic religion or dutiful work for purification

Learnings from Purport 3.30

(a) This verse indicates the “Purpose of Bhagavad-gita”

(b) ‘Military discipline’ as the ‘mood’ in Krishna conscious duties

Duties must be carried out with dependence on Krishna, as in military discipline. Because
o That is the constitutional position of the living entity – Eternally subordinate to the Supreme Lord
o Living entity cannot be happy independent of the co-operation of the Supreme Lord

(d) Meaning of

‘Adhyatma-cetas’ – One who is fully Krishna conscious and depends solely and wholly on the Supreme Soul without personal considerations
‘Nirasih’ – To act on the order of the master without expecting fruitive results
o E.g. Cashier counting millions of dollars for the employer
‘Mayi’ (Unto Me) – Nothing in the world belongs to anyone, but everything belongs to the Supreme Lord
‘Nirmana’ (Nothing is mine) – Free from sense of proprietorship
‘Vigatah-jvara’ – Without feverish mentality or lethargy
o Give up any reluctance to fight because of bodily relationships

(e) What is the ‘Path of liberation’ recommended in conclusion

Act according to Varnashrama – Everyone according to his quality and position has a particular type of work to discharge.
Act in right consciousness – Discharge all such duties in Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.31

THEME : Result of acting according to Lord’s injunctions (Bg. 3.30)

1. How to follow:

With faith
Without envy

2. Result – Freedom from all bondage

Learnings from Purport 3.31

(a) Truth of Krishna consciousness is eternal

The injunction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the essence of all Vedic wisdom and therefore is eternally true without exception.

(b) Studying Bhagavad-gita without faith has no benefit

Many philosophers write commentaries on Bhagavad-gita, but have no faith in Krishna
o Their destiny – Never gets liberated from the bondage of fruitive action

But one who has firm faith, even though unable to execute such orders, such a person is surely promoted to pure Krishna consciousness.

(d) Firm faith, even though unable to execute the injunctions

In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord
Still he will surely be promoted to the stage of Krishna consciousness, if:
o One is not resentful of the principle and
o Works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness.

Text 3.32

THEME : Flaw of not being Krishna conscious –

Such a person out of envy disregard these teachings and do not follow them
Fate of disobedient persons
Is considered bereft of all knowledge and befooled
Ruined in their endeavors for perfection

Learnings from Purport 3.32

(b) What is the ‘ignorance’ and ‘destiny’ of disobedient soul

He is ignorant of his own self and of the Supreme Brahman, Paramatma and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to vacant heart.
Destiny – Therefore there is ‘No hope for perfection’.

LINK BETWEEN 3.32 & 3.33 : Why do people who transgress your desire not fear punishment from You , as criminals fear from a king?

ANSWER: Text 3.33 (The next verse).

Text 3.33

THEME : We cannot force someone to give up his conditional nature and material desires

Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature
Everyone follows the nature he ha

Learnings from Purport 3.33

(a) Only ‘platform’ to be free from modes – Transcendental platform of Krishna consciousness (Ref. Bg. 7.14)

(b) ‘High education’ fails to help – Impossible to get out of Maya simply by theoretical knowledge.
Examples:

Many so called spiritualists pose as advanced in science but inwards or privately, they are completely under the modes of nature
One may be academically learned but because of long association with material nature, he is in bondage

Krishna consciousness helps one to get out of material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his material prescribed duties
No-one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called transcendentalist artificially
Stay in one’s position and try to attain Krishna consciousness under superior training

Text 3.34

THEME : Gradually purify them (conditioned souls) by dovetailing their sense enjoyment propensities according to religious duty

Stumbling blocks on path of self-realization (3.34)
⇒ Attachment and aversion pertaining to senses and their objects

How to get out of it (3.34)
⇒ Do not come under the control of such attachment and aversion
⇒ There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 3.33 – 3.34

Except for the self-realized all people are driven to act by the three modes of nature.
Therefore the sincere aspiring spiritualist follows the path of regulation to gradually purify his modal attachments, while giving him enough sense gratification to pacify his mind.
Still, if one clings on to the concessions given for sense gratification in the sastra, he risks falling down to sinful life.

Learnings from Purport 3.34

(a) Cause of material encagement and how to get out

Unrestricted sense enjoyment is the cause
One can get out by following rules and regulations of the revealed scriptures
o e.g. Sex enjoyment is allowed under the license of marriage ties

(b) Explain: “There is always a chance of accident, even on royal road”

As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, but under rules and regulations
Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray
o e.g. Sense gratification in married life

Attachment to Krishna consciousness (Loving service of Krishna)

(d) Avoid one detachment – What?

To be detached from Krishna consciousness at any stage of life

(e) What is whole purpose of all detachments – Ultimately to become situated on the platform of Krishna consciousness.

Text 3.35

THEME : Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path”

It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly
Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Learnings from Purport 3.35

(a) Two kinds of prescribed duties

Materially prescribed duties – Duties enjoined according to one’s psycho-physical condition, under the spell of the modes.
Spiritual duties – As ordered by the spiritual master for the transcendental service of the Krishna.

(b) Common ‘principle’ for both kinds of prescribed duties – Following the authorized direction is always good

Brahmana is in mode of goodness – Non-violent
Ksatriya is in the mode of passion – Allowed to be violent

(d) When one can transcend the level of ‘materially prescribed duties’ –

Everyone has to cleanse his heart by gradual process and not abruptly
However when one transcends the modes and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform anything and everything under the direction of a bona-fide spiritual master.
Examples:
o Vishvamitra was originally a ksatriya, but later on acted as a brahmana
o Parasurama was originally a brahmana, but later on acted as a ksatriya
As long as one is on the material platform he must perform his duties as prescribed according to the modes; at the same time with a full sense of Krishna consciousness

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