In Bhagavad Gita 3.8, Krishna tells Arjuna to perform his prescribed duty, for action is better than inaction, and even the body cannot be maintained without action.
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीभगवानुवाच · The Blessed Lord said
नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं
कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः
शरीरयात्रापि च ते
न प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः ॥ ३-८ ॥
niyataṃ kuru karma tvaṃ
karma jyāyo hyakarmaṇaḥ
śarīrayātrāpi ca te
na prasiddhyedakarmaṇaḥ
English transliteration niyatam kuru karma tvam
karma jyaayo hyakarmanah
shareerayaatraapi cha te
na prasiddhyedakarmanah ॥ 3.8 ॥
Translation / Meaning
Perform your prescribed duty, for action is better than inaction. Even the maintenance of your body would not be possible without action.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| नियतम् niyatam | prescribed, obligatory |
| कुरु kuru | perform |
| कर्म karma | action, duty |
| त्वम् tvam | you |
| कर्म karma | action |
| ज्यायः jyāyaḥ | better |
| हि hi | indeed |
| अकर्मणः akarmaṇaḥ | than inaction |
| शरीरयात्रा śarīrayātrā | maintenance of the body śarīra (body) + yātrā (journey, upkeep) |
| अपि api | even |
| च ca | and |
| ते te | your |
| न na | not |
| प्रसिद्ध्येत् prasiddhyet | would be possible |
| अकर्मणः akarmaṇaḥ | without action |
Word-wise Chanting
- ni–ya–taṃ ku–ru kar–ma tvaṃ 8 syllables ni-ya-tam ku-ru kar-ma tvam
- kar–ma jyā–yo hya–kar–ma–ṇaḥ | 8 syllables kar-ma jyaa-yo hya-kar-ma-nah
- śa–rī–ra–yāt–rā–pi ca te 8 syllables sha-ree-ra-yaat-raa-pi cha te
- na pra–sid–dhye–da–kar–ma–ṇaḥ || 3-8 8 syllables na pra-sid-dhye-da-kar-ma-nah
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 8
Context
Krishna gives a direct instruction based on the principles of 3.4–3.7.
Meaning
Niyata karma means the duty that belongs to one’s situation. Krishna is clear: doing it is better than not doing it. Even the simplest life requires effort; food must be grown, cooked and eaten; the body must be cared for. Total inaction is not spiritual; it is impossible.
This verse brings the discussion down to earth. Before seeking higher states, we must fulfil the ordinary duties of life well. A spiritual life that neglects basic responsibilities is not deep but unbalanced. Action rightly done is itself a path to freedom.
In Practice
Make a short list of your essential daily duties. Do each one today with attention, treating it as part of your spiritual practice.
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.