Yad Yad Acharati Shreshthah (Bhagavad Gita 3.21) — Word-by-Word Meaning
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
यत् यत्
yat yat
whatever
आचरति
ācharati
does, practises
श्रेष्ठः
śhreṣhṭhaḥ
a great or noble person, the best
तत् तत्
tat tat
that (alone), exactly that
एव
eva
certainly, indeed
इतरः
itaraḥ
common, other
जनः
janaḥ
people
सः
saḥ
he, that person
यत्
yat
whichever
प्रमाणम्
pramāṇam
standard, example
कुरुते
kurute
sets, performs
लोकः
lokaḥ
the world, people
तत्
tat
that
अनुवर्तते
anuvartate
follows, pursues
Complete Translation
Whatever a great person does, others also do; whatever standard he sets, the world follows.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 21
Author: Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching)
Period: Itihasa (Mahabharata)
In the third chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, the Karma Yoga, Lord Krishna urges Arjuna to act for the welfare of the world (lokasangraha). To show why even the enlightened should keep performing their duties, he points out in this verse that common people follow the example of great persons — whatever standard a leader sets, the world adopts as its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Yad Yad Acharati Shreshthah?▼
From Bhagavad Gita 3.21, it means: 'Whatever a great person does, others also do; whatever standard he sets, the world follows.' Krishna teaches that respected, noble people lead by example, and society imitates their conduct.
Why does Krishna give this teaching to Arjuna?▼
Krishna is explaining why even the wise and accomplished should keep performing their duties. As a great person whom others look up to, one's actions set a standard; abandoning duty would mislead the world, so the noble continue to act rightly for the welfare of all (lokasangraha).
How is this verse relevant today?▼
It applies to every leader, teacher, parent and elder. People naturally follow the example of those they respect, so this verse urges anyone in a position of influence to act with integrity, knowing their conduct shapes the behaviour of many.
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