Bhagavad Gita 3.31

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 31: Understanding Divine Teachings

Sanskrit Verse:

ये मे मतमिदं नित्यमनुतिष्ठन्ति मानवाः |
श्रद्धावन्तोऽनसूयन्तो मुच्यन्ते तेऽपि कर्मभिः ॥

Transliteration:

Ye me matam idaṁ nityam anutiṣṭhanti mānavāḥ |
Śraddhāvanto ’nasūyanto mucyante te ’pi karmabhiḥ ||

Translation:

"Those men who constantly follow my teachings with faith and without envy are freed from the bondage of karma."

"जो मनुष्य मेरी शिक्षाओं का निरंतर श्रद्धापूर्वक तथा ईर्ष्या रहित होकर पालन करते हैं, वे कर्म के बंधन से मुक्त हो जाते हैं।"

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Exploring the Meaning of This Verse

In this verse, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of following divine wisdom with devotion, faith, and without jealousy. It is a continuation of His teachings in the Bhagavad Gita about karma yoga (the path of selfless action).

Key Themes:

1. Following Divine Teachings

Krishna refers to His teachings as "matam" (opinion or doctrine). He assures that those who sincerely practice His guidance in daily life will progress on the path of liberation.

2. Faith and Devotion (Shraddha)

Faith is a crucial element in spiritual progress. Krishna highlights that only those who accept His words with trust and dedication can truly benefit from them. Doubt and skepticism can hinder one's spiritual journey.

3. Absence of Envy (Anasūya)

A sincere seeker must be free from jealousy or resistance to divine knowledge. Envy can cloud judgment and prevent one from accepting higher wisdom. Krishna suggests that a humble and open heart is necessary to fully absorb His teachings.

4. Freedom from Karma (Moksha through Karma Yoga)

When a person follows Krishna’s teachings with faith and sincerity, they become free from the bondage of karma. This means that their actions no longer lead to further entanglement in the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

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Practical Application in Life

1. Trust in Spiritual Wisdom: Just as we trust experts in various fields, we must trust divine wisdom for inner peace and liberation.
2. Cultivate a Learning Mindset: Instead of questioning divine teachings with a skeptical mind, approach them with curiosity and openness.
3. Practice Selfless Actions: Follow the principle of karma yoga—perform duties with sincerity but without attachment to results.
4. Develop Humility: Let go of arrogance and accept that divine knowledge surpasses human intellect.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 3.31 teaches that unwavering faith and a humble heart can lead one toward spiritual liberation. By practicing Krishna’s teachings with devotion and sincerity, one can overcome the cycle of karma and attain true peace.

Would you like a deeper analysis of this verse or a comparison with other scriptures?