In Bhagavad Gita 3.3, Krishna explains that he has taught two paths in this world: the path of knowledge for the contemplative and the path of action for the yogi.
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीभगवानुवाच · The Blessed Lord said
लोकेऽस्मिन् द्विविधा निष्ठा
पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ
ज्ञानयोगेन साङ्ख्यानां
कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम् ॥ ३-३ ॥
loke’smin dvividhā niṣṭhā
purā proktā mayānagha
jñānayogena sāṅkhyānāṃ
karmayogena yoginām
English transliteration loke’smin dvividhaa nishthaa
puraa proktaa mayaanagha
jnaanayogena saankhyaanaam
karmayogena yoginaam ॥ 3.3 ॥
Translation / Meaning
The Blessed Lord said: O sinless one, in this world a twofold path was taught by Me long ago: the path of knowledge for those inclined to contemplation, and the path of action for those inclined to activity.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| लोके loke | in the world |
| अस्मिन् asmin | this |
| द्विविधा dvividhā | twofold |
| निष्ठा niṣṭhā | path, discipline |
| पुरा purā | long ago |
| प्रोक्ता proktā | taught |
| मया mayā | by Me |
| अनघ anagha | O sinless one |
| ज्ञानयोगेन jñānayogena | by the path of knowledge jñāna (knowledge) + yogena (by the discipline) |
| साङ्ख्यानाम् sāṅkhyānām | of the contemplatives |
| कर्मयोगेन karmayogena | by the path of action karma (action) + yogena (by the discipline) |
| योगिनाम् yoginām | of the active yogis |
Word-wise Chanting
- lo–ke–‘smin dvi–vi–dhā niṣ–ṭhā 8 syllables lo-ke-‘smin dvi-vi-dhaa nish-thaa
- pu–rā prok–tā ma–yā–na–gha | 8 syllables pu-raa prok-taa ma-yaa-na-gha
- jñā–na–yo–ge–na sāṅ–khyā–nāṃ 8 syllables jnaa-na-yo-ge-na saan-khyaa-naam
- kar–ma–yo–ge–na yo–gi–nām || 3-3 8 syllables kar-ma-yo-ge-na yo-gi-naam
How to read this
How to chant: each line is one pāda (quarter-verse); chant it in one breath. The hyphen (-) divides the syllables, inside a word and across a sandhi join, so every pāda shows its 8 syllables (11 in triṣṭubh verses). A consonant cluster is divided after its first consonant (kar-ma, vet-ti): that syllable is held longer. Mark above a syllable: guru, long (two beats); laghu, short (one beat). | closes the half-verse, || the verse; the number is the syllable count of the pāda.
Deeper Explanation – Chapter 3 Verse 3
Context
Krishna begins his answer to Arjuna’s request for clarity (3.1–3.2).
Meaning
Krishna explains that there are two great disciplines suited to different temperaments. Jñāna-yoga is for the sāṅkhyas, those inclined to contemplation and discrimination between Self and non-Self. Karma-yoga is for the yogis, those whose nature leads them into action. Both are ancient, both are taught by the Divine, and both lead to the same goal.
This is a deeply respectful teaching. People differ, and the Gita honours these differences. Some are drawn to quiet study and meditation; others express their spirituality through work and service. Neither is inferior. The question for each person is which path fits their nature, and how to walk it sincerely.
In Practice
Reflect honestly on your temperament: are you drawn more to contemplation or to action? Give your main spiritual effort to the path that fits you.
Related Verses
Continue Your Study
This verse belongs to Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action). Read the chapter overview, browse every verse of the Gita, or return to the chapter-by-chapter guide. For a reading plan, see how to study the Bhagavad Gita and the study resources.