Chapter 3: The Yoga of Selfless Action

Step 1 of 8 Chapter 3: The Yoga of Selfless Action, an Overview Gita chapter 3 in a glance: Arjuna asks why act if knowledge is higher, and the Lord answers in seven steps, from work as giving to the enemy called desire. A guide to the chapter's pages. Simple · 5 min In Depth · 10 min Deeper · 13 min

Step 2 of 8 Can We Simply Stop Acting? Arjuna asks why he must act if knowledge is higher. The Lord's answer in Gita 3.1 to 3.8: stopping does not free anyone, no one can stop, and the better way is a ruling mind with unclinging work. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 12 min Deeper · 16 min

Step 3 of 8 Work as Sacrifice Why does work feel like a load, and what does the Gita mean by work as sacrifice? Start here: work done as an offering frees, and life runs on giving and receiving. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 14 min Deeper · 19 min

Step 4 of 8 Acting for the World If someone is content within and needs nothing, why would that person still work? The Gita says: for the good of the world, free of clinging, and as an example that others follow. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 14 min Deeper · 19 min

Step 5 of 8 Who Is the Doer? The Gita says nature's modes perform all action and the self is a non-doer, yet it counts the doer among five causes. Gita 3.27-29, 5.8-14 and 18.13-17 on the mistake of 'I do it all' and how it is mended. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 13 min Deeper · 16 min

Step 6 of 8 Offering All Actions Lord Krishna asks that all actions be offered to Him with the mind steady, without expectation, possessiveness or fever. Gita 3.30-32 and 5.10-12 show how such work leaves no stain and brings lasting peace. Simple · 5 min In Depth · 12 min Deeper · 14 min

Step 7 of 8 One's Own Duty Why do we tire ourselves wearing someone else's way? The Gita says one's own duty, done imperfectly, is better than another's done well. Start here for readings at three depths. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 15 min Deeper · 19 min

Step 8 of 8 The Enemy Called Desire Why do we do what we do not want to do? Arjuna's question and the Lord's answer in Gita 3.36–43: desire and anger as the enemy that covers knowledge, and the order in which it is met. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 11 min Deeper · 14 min

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