Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 21 (BG 3.21) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

**BG 3.21** Human beings are fundamentally imitative creatures—this is a psychological truth. Whenever in history society has experienced moral renewal, it has come solely through the ideals of those who lead the nation. Students can be disciplined only through the exemplary conduct of their teachers. If a nation's ruler is corrupt and tyrannical, those in subordinate positions cannot remain truthful and honest. The behavior of young children is entirely dependent upon and governed by the conduct and culture of their parents. Keeping this truth in mind, the Blessed Lord now presents another reason to Arjuna for the performance of action. Should he refrain from his duty, it is likely that the majority of society would also turn away from their own responsibilities, and the ultimate consequence would be the decline of culture in human life. To emphasize this point further and to strengthen the teaching already given, the Blessed Lord offers His own example. Although the Lord Himself is eternally free, yet to lift the generation of His time out of the evils of ignorance and passion, He Himself performs action with perfect detachment and skill, thereby establishing an ideal for all. Active resistance to unrighteousness is the principle of Sri Krishna. His non-violence was not like that of a coward lost in daydreams, who fails to oppose injustice and thus proves incapable of protecting culture. Now Arjuna could harbor no doubt in his mind regarding karma yoga. If you have any doubt concerning the welfare of society, why do you not look to Me? Following My example, why do you not also establish yourself as an ideal, turning people away from the path of unrighteousness and inspiring them to walk the path of dharma?