ये मे मतमिदं नित्यमनुतिष्ठन्ति मानवाः ।
श्रद्धावन्तोऽनसूयन्तो मुच्यन्ते तेऽपि कर्मभिः ॥ ३१ ॥
ye me matam idaṁ nityam anutiṣhṭhanti mānavāḥ
śhraddhāvanto ’nasūyanto muchyante te ’pi karmabhiḥ
श्लोक ३१: जो मनुष्य बिना किसी ईर्ष्या से अत्यंत श्रद्धापूर्वक मेरी इस शिक्षा का पालन करते हैं, वे कर्मों के बंधनों से मुक्त हो जाते हैं।
Shloka 31: Those who follow this teaching of Mine with utmost reverence, devoid of envy, become liberated from the bondage of action.
Bhagavad Gita verse 3.31 presents Krishna's assurance about the efficacy of following His teachings on selfless action. In this verse, Krishna states that those who regularly execute His instructions with faith and devotion, without envy, become free from the bondage of karma or fruitive actions.
This verse comes as Krishna begins to conclude His teachings on karma-yoga by explaining the consequences of following the instructions given in the previous verse (3.30). Here, Krishna reassures Arjuna that those who perform their prescribed duties according to divine instruction, without possessiveness or lethargy, and offer the results to Him in a devotional mood, will be liberated from karmic bondage.
The Sanskrit words "śraddhā-vantaḥ anasūyantaḥ" are significant here, indicating that one should follow Krishna's teachings with faith and without cavil or envy. The verse emphasizes that the attitude with which one performs actions is as important as the actions themselves. When we act with faith in Krishna's wisdom and without questioning or resenting His instructions, we create the conditions for our liberation.
Interestingly, some commentators note that this verse refers to different categories of practitioners. There are those who fully understand and practice Krishna's teachings, those who have faith but may not yet fully practice, and even those who might lack complete faith but do not speak against or find fault with the teachings. The verse suggests that all these groups can eventually become free from karma through their connection to these divine instructions.
The concept echoes what Krishna mentioned earlier in verse 3.9 - that working for the sake of Lord Vishnu absolves one from karmic bondage. This principle underscores the Gita's consistent message that when actions are performed as service to the divine, rather than for personal gain, they cease to bind the soul. The performer becomes an instrument of divine will rather than an independent actor seeking fruits of action.
We can understand this principle through the analogy of a student in college who may initially struggle with complex subjects. If the student faithfully continues attending classes without developing resentment toward the challenging material, eventually understanding will dawn. Similarly, even if we find spiritual teachings difficult to follow initially, maintaining faith and avoiding resentment allows for gradual progress on the spiritual path.
The timeless wisdom of this verse lies in its recognition of human limitations while simultaneously offering hope. Krishna doesn't demand immediate perfection but rather encourages a faithful attitude and persistent effort. The message is profoundly compassionate - even if we cannot immediately embody all spiritual teachings perfectly, our sincere effort and faith in the process will eventually lead to freedom from the bondage of karma. This verse stands as an invitation to trust in the process of spiritual growth, to act with faith rather than skepticism, and to persist even when the path seems challenging.
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