Chapter 3: With 43 verses or shlokas, the third chapter is similar in length to the first chapter. Having finished 3 chapters, we will be using the "The Holy Geeta" Commentary by Swami Chinmayananda as supplementary reading material. This version of the Gita is published by the Chinmaya Mission.
- Arjuna (Shloka 1-2;36): 3 sholkas
- Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead (Shloka 3-35;37-43): 40 shlokas
Brief Summary: In this chapter, Arjuna asks the Lord why he is being asked to fight this horrible war if the path of knowledge is better than action. Arjuna asks the Lord to clarify which is the path to the greatest good and dispel the confusion created in chapter-2. The rest of the chapter explains action and its practice.
First, Lord Krishna explains that in this world, two paths exist. One is the path of knowledge and the other is the path of action. Mere renunciation or abstinence from work does not lead one to freedom from action. Restraining the senses while the mind wanders the material world is hypocrisy. On the other hand, controlling the mind and engaging in work without attachment is the superior path. Performing the duties that are assigned to you is better than inaction. All work binds you to the world, except that which is done as Yajna or sacrifice.
All living entities depend on food for sustenance. Food is the result of rains that occur due to the performance of Yajna or sacrifice. This sacrifice is a result of duties prescribed by the Vedas. Similarly, the lord also has to perform certain actions without which the world would be destroyed. The shloka 30 focuses on the total surrender of our desires to Krishna with no expectations of profit or ownership. By performing duties with no attachment to the results, one becomes free from bondage.
Shlokas 33 and 34 give an overview of the conscious (both controllable and uncontrollable) and subconscious (uncontrollable) mind. It can be described at 3 levels, Samskara, raga/dvesha, and karma. The samskara is from the subconscious level and is beyond our control. Similarly, Karma despite being in the conscious is uncontrollable as we become conscious of it only after it has taken place. For example, we can regret an action/emotion after it has passed. However, it would be too late by then to control it. The secret gap between the layers of Samskara and karma is the raga/dvesha which is controllable and conscious. Raga/dvesha refers to our likes/dislikes which are the foundation of our actions. Katha Upanishad mentions that in every stage of our life, we make decisions based on Shreyas and preyas. Shreyas is a consequence that produces lasting benefit and Preyas provides immediate pleasure.
You can see this video in which Swami Sarvapriyananda explains this in detail.
Arjuna asks an interesting question in the 36th verse, why does one feel compelled to perform sinful acts against their will?
The lord explains that this is merely lust that gets transformed to wrath upon contact with the material world. Only by overcoming lust (which happens to be a formidable enemy) can one know that the soul is superior to the intellect.
i.e., Body< Senses< Mind< Intellect< Soul
parjanyad anna-sambhavah
yajnad bhavati parjanyo
yajnah karma-samudbhavah
