Bhagavad Gita 3.19 — Tasmad Asaktah Satatam — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ३.१९ — तस्मादसक्तः सततम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
तस्मात्
tasmāt
therefore
असक्तः
asaktaḥ
without attachment
सततम्
satatam
constantly, always
कार्यम्
kāryam
that which ought to be done, duty
कर्म
karma
action, work
समाचर
samāchara
perform well, carry out
असक्तः
asaktaḥ
unattached
हि
hi
certainly, for
आचरन्
ācharan
performing, doing
कर्म
karma
work, action
परम्
param
the Supreme
आप्नोति
āpnoti
attains, reaches
पूरुषः
pūruṣhaḥ
a person, a human being
Complete Translation
Therefore, always perform your prescribed duty without attachment; for by working without attachment, a person attains the Supreme.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 19
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the third chapter, Karma Yoga, Arjuna asks why he must act at all if knowledge is superior. Krishna explains that no one can remain actionless even for a moment, and that the wise act for the welfare of the world. This verse is the culmination of that teaching: perform your duty constantly but without attachment, for selfless action itself leads to the highest goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of Bhagavad Gita 3.19?▼
Krishna teaches that one should always perform one's duty, but without attachment to the results. It is by working selflessly — not by avoiding work — that a person attains the Supreme. The verse is a cornerstone of karma-yoga.
How is this different from the famous verse 2.47?▼
Verse 2.47 (Karmanye vadhikaraste) declares your right is only to action, not its fruits. Verse 3.19 builds on this by adding the promise: when you act without attachment, you actually reach the Supreme. It shows that detached action is not just a discipline but a path to liberation.
Does 'without attachment' mean doing work carelessly?▼
Not at all. 'Samachara' means to perform the duty well and thoroughly. Detachment refers to the inner attitude — being unattached to personal gain or loss — while still giving the action your full skill and effort.
Can ordinary daily work lead to spiritual realization?▼
Yes. This verse affirms that any duty, performed selflessly and without clinging to results, becomes a means of reaching the Supreme. Work itself, done in the right spirit, is a complete spiritual path.
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