In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Arjuna seeks clarification on the knowledge imparted by Shri Krishna in Chapter 2 concerning the interplay of knowledge and action. To comprehend the essence of this chapter, it's essential to grasp a few key terms:
Verse 1 – 2: Arjuna questions Shri Krishna about the apparent contradiction between prioritizing knowledge over action. He seeks clarity, feeling perplexed by the conflicting advice.
Verse 3 – 9: Shri Krishna responds by delineating the perspectives on knowledge and action:
Verse 10: Prajapati (Lord of all beings) ordained at the dawn of creation that all beings should perform yagya (religious acts) to attain worldly pleasures.
Verse 11: Through yagya, may the gods nurture and enrich you, fostering mutual prosperity and support.
Verse 12: The gods, sustained by yagya, bestow worldly comforts (wealth) based on the fruits of one's actions. Those who neglect meritorious acts are deemed sinful and akin to thieves.
Verse 13: Sages partake in Prasaad offered to the God in yagya, absolving themselves of sins. Conversely, those who cook merely for bodily sustenance incur sin.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 14 – 15: Living beings emerge from food grains, which arise from rain nourished by yagya. Yagya, in turn, stems from auspicious actions, rooted in Brahm (Kaal), who originates from the Immortal God. This Omnipresent, Immortal God presides over yagya, bestowing its benefits.
The essence of Chapter 3 Verses 9-16 is that performing yagya yields worldly comforts but not liberation. It is emphasized that these comforts are provided by the Supreme God, who is Kabir Sahib (KavirDev). Unlike Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, other translators of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita incorrectly interpret Brahm as both Ved and God, revealing their limited understanding. Brahm signifies God, not Ved.
In Holy Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verses 17-18, meditation (dhyaan) is deemed a yagya, rendering other yagyas unnecessary. Those deeply engaged in meditation become hermits, foregoing other rites. Upon attaining 'tatvagyan' (true knowledge), devotees abandon arbitrary worship and selfish pursuits, focusing solely on God.
Verses 19-20 affirm that yagya, performed as a human duty, aids in attaining God and yields its rewards.
Verse 21-24: Arjun, wise sadhus and saints should adhere to righteous deeds as prescribed in scriptures, for society emulates them. Although I, being the Lord, have no need to act across the three realms, I engage in virtuous deeds to set an example. Failure to do so would lead to societal decay and the rise of mixed castes.
Verses 25-26 and 29 emphasize that those obstinate in wrongful worship will resist correction and grow resentful. Hence, the knowledgeable should worship as per scriptural guidelines and encourage others to do the same.
Verses 27-28: Foolish individuals take false pride in considering themselves the sole doers, while the wise remain unaffected by the influence of gunas (modes of nature).
Verse 30: Kaal advises Arjun to fight, relying on him through knowledge, devoid of desires and possessions, and free from sorrow.
Verses 31-32: Those who heed this counsel are spared from sinful actions, while those who disregard it are deemed ignorant, destined for the cycle of 84 lakh births.
Verses 33-34: One should remain unaffected by feelings of attachment or aversion.
Verse 35: Reject worship lacking scriptural foundation, regardless of its outward appeal or the warnings of ignorant proponents.
The essence of Holy Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 is to emphasize the exclusive worship of God over gods, goddesses, spirits, and ancestors. It advocates performing yagyas and chanting the 'Om' mantra without any desire, considering it a duty as a human being, and following the guidance of a true Guru in accordance with scriptures. One should remain steadfast in their chosen path of worship, even to the point of sacrificing their life, as adherence to the true path is ultimately beneficial.