The Path of Action — Karma Yoga
Chapter 3 of Bhagavad Gita by Vyasa
Arjuna said: If it be thought by thee that knowledge is A thing more excellent than action, then Why, Krishna, dost thou bid me do this deed Of awful strife? Thy mingled words confound My understanding! Tell me one clear truth Whereby I may attain to bliss! Declare That one plain way, and teach me, Keshava!
Krishna said: I told thee, blameless Lord! there be two paths Showing to man how he may reach the truth: Who worship me by knowledge, them I lead To wisdom; who by works, to bliss of works. Nor doth a man find freedom from his acts By shunning action: nay, nor doth he win Perfection by the one device of ceasing.
Nay, and no jot of time, at any time, Rests any actionless; his nature's law Compels him, even unwilling, into act; For thought is act in fancy. He who sits Suppressing all the instruments of flesh, Yet in his idle heart thinking on them, Playeth a part of holiness, but sins In all the while of all his unclean deed. But he who, with strong body serving mind, Gives up his mortal powers to worthy work, Not seeking fruit, Arjuna! such an one Is honourable. Do thine allotted task! Work is more excellent than idleness; The body's life proceeds not, lacking work.
