Chapter 3: Karma Yoga – Transforming All Activities into Yoga: Verse 24
उत्सीदेयुरिमे लोका न कुर्यां कर्म चेदहम् ।
सङ्करस्य च कर्ता स्यामुपहन्यामिमा: प्रजा: ।।
utsīdeyur-ime lokā na kuryāṃ karma ced-aham
saṅkarasya ca kartā syām-upahanyām-imā: prajā: – 3.24
In case I do not adhere to my activity, the result will be that these worlds would perish. I shall also be the cause of ethnic admixture leading to social disorder and ruin.
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga – Transforming All Activities into Yoga - Verse 24
Swami Nirviseshananda Tirtha
Krishna said this over 5000 years ago, when Indian society consisted of a variety of divisions, with rigid rules governing each, irrespective of high and low considerations. If cultural norms suffer a setback or get violated, it would instigate indulgence in greater violations, affecting mutuality and collectivity, which determine the society’s cohesion, behaviour and productivity. The social structure is sure to be adversely hit.
Every step of violation will trigger a network of imbalances leading to general downfall. Krishna cautions and safeguards against any such societal disaster.
To tackle a disorder after it has befallen is too cumbersome. The more effective means will be to prudently prevent it with timely caution and discretion. Enlightenment is the greatest persuasion for humans!
