Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 16

English Translation

O Partha, he lives in vain who does not follow here the wheel thus set in motion, whose life is sinful, and who indulges in the senses.

Detailed Commentary

3.16. Elucidation: 'Pārtha' – Here Bhagavan tells Arjuna that he is the son of Kunti, who endured hardships throughout her life while fulfilling her Dharma (duty). You too should not neglect your duty. War is not a terrible act for you, but rather a Yajna (sacrifice/duty). To observe it is to move in harmony with the cycle of creation (Srishti Chakra), and not to observe it is to go against the cycle of creation. Just as even a small part of a chariot wheel breaking affects the entire chariot and the charioteer, similarly, a person who does not act in accordance with the Srishti Chakra obstructs the functioning of the entire creation. There is an intimate connection between the world (Samsara) and the individual, like that between a body and its limbs. When an individual renounces Kāmanā (desire), Mamatā (possessiveness), Āsakti (attachment), and Ahaṁtā (ego) and fulfills their duty, happiness spreads throughout the entire creation. An 'Indriyārāma' is said to be one who delights only in sense pleasures through the senses. Such a person is lower even than an animal, because they commit new sins and obstruct the Srishti Chakra. 'Aghāyuḥ' – One who does not follow the Srishti Chakra leads a life full of sin. Individuals engrossed in sensual pleasures harm others due to selfishness and arrogance. Goswami Tulsidasji says: One who harms others, is devoted to others' wives, craves others' wealth, and slanders others – such vile, sinful humans are man-eaters in human form. (Manas 7.39) 'Moghaṁ Pārtha sa jīvati' – Bhagavan states that the life of one who does not fulfill their duty is futile. Even if one does not fulfill their duty, at the very least, they should not cause distress to creation. When the residents of Ayodhya arrived at Chitrakoot, the Kols, Kirats, Bhils, and others said, 'We do not steal your clothes; that itself is service for us.' (Manas 2.251.2) Similarly, the lives of individuals who fulfill their duties are meaningful. Bhagavan has called the person who does not follow the Srishti Chakra 'stena eva saḥ' (3.12), meaning 'he is indeed a thief,' and 'bhuñjate te tvagham' (3.13), meaning 'they eat only sin.' Now, in this verse, by calling them 'Aghāyurindriyārāmaḥ' (one whose life is sinful and who delights in the senses), Bhagavan declares their lives to be futile. Goswami Tulsidasji says – His brilliance is like fire, his wrath like Yama. He is a rich lord of the wealth of sins and vices. He is like the rising Ketu, harmful to all. He sleeps soundly like Kumbhakarna. (Manas 1.4.3) Connection – The person who does not fulfill their duty for the sake of detachment from Samsara is condemned here. However, the state of one who has achieved detachment by fulfilling their duties is described in the subsequent verses.