न बुद्धिभेदं जनयेदज्ञानां कर्मसङ्गिनाम् | जोषयेत्सर्वकर्माणि विद्वान्युक्तः समाचरन् ||३-२६||
na buddhibhedaṃ janayedajñānāṃ karmasaṅginām .
joṣayetsarvakarmāṇi vidvānyuktaḥ samācaran ||3-26||
Let no wise man unsettle the mind of ignorant people who are attached to action; he should engage them in all actions, himself fulfilling them with devotion.
In simple words
Krishna advises: "A wise person should never confuse or discourage people who are attached to their work. Instead, lead by example — do your own work with devotion, and they will naturally follow."
Word-by-word meanings
नnotबुद्धिभेदम्unsettlement in the mindजनयेत्should produceअज्ञानाम्of the ignorantकर्मसङ्गिनाम्of the persons attached to actionsजोषयेत्should engageसर्वकर्माणिall actionsविद्वान्the wiseयुक्तःbalancedसमाचरन्performing
3.26 न not? बुद्धिभेदम् unsettlement in the mind? जनयेत् should produce? अज्ञानाम् of the ignorant? कर्मसङ्गिनाम् of the persons attached to actions? जोषयेत् should engage? सर्वकर्माणि all actions? विद्वान् the wise? युक्तः balanced? समाचरन् performing.Commentary An ignorant may says to himelf? I shall do this action and thery enjoy its fruit. A wise man should not unsettle his belief. On the contrary he himself should set an example by performing his duties diligently but without attachment. The wise man should also persuade the ignorant never to neglect their duties. If need be? he should place before them in vivid colours the happiness they would enjoy here and hereafter by discharging such duties. When their hearts get purified in course of time? the wise man could sow the seeds of Karma Yoga (selfless service without deire) in them.
Contemporary scholarly and practical interpretations for modern seekers.
This interpretation draws on a specific tradition and may not represent the view of any single school. For authoritative guidance within a specific tradition, seek a qualified teacher.
Modern
# BG 3.26
It is possible that after attaining self-realization, when a wise person enters the field of action, they may begin to impart the highest teaching of truth-knowledge—a teaching that the people of that generation may lack the capacity to comprehend. Those people, misinterpreting the words of such a learned person, might conclude that the renunciation of action is the direct path to the attainment of truth. Such teachers are cautioned here, for this could diminish people's enthusiasm for performing their duties. Life is dynamic and flowing. No one can remain inactive and still. If a guiding teacher were to suddenly raise both hands and command their generation to stop in the midst of life's ever-advancing stream of action, they themselves would be shattered and destroyed by that very current. Many religious teachers have made this mistake and have paid the price for it. Here, Sri Krishna, offering guidance, says that such teachers should act by recognizing the movement of the times, not by opposing the vital force of life itself.
The method of guiding society is revealed in this verse, and it is useful for all leaders, whatever field they may work in—whether social, political, or cultural. If a society is advancing in a particular direction at any given time, the leader should work together with their generation and, through their own example, gradually guide people toward the right direction.
If a person were driving a car at high speed but in the wrong direction toward Haridwar, the solution is not to suddenly stop the car, but merely to change its direction. The car coming to a halt alone will not bring them to their destination.
Similarly, a person should continue to act. Even if they are moving in the wrong direction, only through action can they move forward in the right direction. The wise person should not divert the ignorant from the inclination toward action; rather, they themselves should skillfully perform their duties, so that ordinary people can easily follow their example.