Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 24

English Translation

These worlds will be ruined if I do not perform action. And I shall become the agent of intermingling (of castes), and shall be destroying these beings.

Detailed Commentary

।।3.24।। Explanation -- [Bhagavan first elucidated the importance of performing *karma* (duty) and now describes the harm caused by not performing it.] If I do not perform *karma* diligently, the entire world will be harmed. Bhagavan states that it is impossible for Him not to perform *karma*. But even if it were to be assumed that He did, great harm would ensue. 'Atandritah' means that there should be no laziness or negligence in any task; rather, it should be done with care and promptness. By not performing *karma*, a person falls into laziness and negligence and wastes their life. Laxity in *karma* does not lead to liberation from *karma*. Just as a brittle twig breaks easily, so too does diligence in *karma* lead to liberation. Therefore, Bhagavan used the word 'Atandritah'. If a *karma* is repeatedly recalled, one should understand that there was some deficiency in it. This does not lead to liberation from the associated *karma*. Bhagavan says that only those who follow His path are true human beings. Everyone follows the actions of great souls (*Mahapurushas*), and Bhagavan is the ideal person in the three worlds (*Triloki*). Bhagavan teaches how one should live in the world. The teaching for the world is to perform *karma* by renouncing desires (*kamana*) and attachment (*mamata*). All relations are for serving, and *karma* should lead to the welfare of the world. Bhagavan is the ideal in the *Triloki*. If He does not perform His duty, the *Triloki* will be destroyed. 'Sankara' means the mixing of two opposing qualities. Arjuna had said that war would lead to the destruction of the lineage (*kula-nasha*) and *varnasankara* (confusion of castes), but Bhagavan says that *varnasankara* occurs by not performing one's duty. Bhagavan says that by not fighting, Arjuna would bring about *varnasankara*. Special point -- Bhagavan told Arjuna that He Himself performs *karma* and has no need to obtain anything for the *Triloki*. Bhagavan reminds Arjuna that He has accepted a duty, such as making Arjuna His charioteer (*rathi*) in the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavan teaches Arjuna that duty (*kartavya-karma*) should be performed diligently. Connection -- Bhagavan has previously explained the caution in performing *karma* and in the subsequent verses provides inspiration for wise *Mahapurushas*.