Read a Lecture by Srila Prabhupada on BG 3:8-11
YajaQaaRTk-MaR<aae_NYaa l/aek-ae_Ya& k-MaRbNDaNa" )
TadQa| k-MaR k-aENTaeYa Mau¢-Sa®" SaMaacr )) 9 ))
yajïärthät karmaëo 'nyatra
loko 'yaà karma-bandhanaù
tad-arthaà karma kaunteya
mukta-saìgaù samäcara
SYNONYMS
yajïa-arthät-done only for the sake of Yajïa, or Viñëu; karmaëaù-than work; anyatra-otherwise; lokaù-world; ayam-this; karma-bandhanaù-bondage by work; tat-of Him; artham-for the sake; karma-work; kaunteya-O son of Kunté; mukta-saìgaù-liberated from association; samäcara-do perfectly.
TRANSLATION
Work done as a sacrifice for Viñëu has to be performed, otherwise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore, O son of Kunté, perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way you will always remain free from bondage.
PURPORT
Since one has to work even for the simple maintenance of the body, the prescribed duties for a particular social position and quality are so made that that purpose can be fulfilled. Yajïa means Lord Viñëu, or sacrificial performances. All sacrificial performances also are meant for the satisfaction of Lord Viñëu. The Vedas enjoin: yajïo vai viñëuù. In other words, the same purpose is served whether one performs prescribed yajïas or directly serves Lord Viñëu. Kåñëa consciousness is therefore performance of yajïa as it is prescribed in this verse. The varëäçrama institution also aims at satisfying Lord Viñëu. Varëäçramäcäravatä puruñeëa paraù pumän/ viñëur ärädhyate (Viñëu Puräëa 3.8.8).
Therefore one has to work for the satisfaction of Viñëu. Any other work done in this material world will be a cause of bondage, for both good and evil work have their reactions, and any reaction binds the performer. Therefore, one has to work in Kåñëa consciousness to satisfy Kåñëa (or Viñëu); and while performing such activities one is in a liberated stage. This is the great art of doing work, and in the beginning this process requires very expert guidance. One should therefore act very diligently, under the expert guidance of a devotee of Lord Kåñëa, or under the direct instruction of Lord Kåñëa Himself (under whom Arjuna had the opportunity to work). Nothing should be performed for sense gratification, but everything should be done for the satisfaction of Kåñëa. This practice will not only save one from the reaction of work, but also gradually elevate one to transcendental loving service of the Lord, which alone can raise one to the kingdom of God.
