Work cannot be escaped

If, Janardana, you consider knowledge superior to action, then why, Keshava, do you urge me into this terrible action?

You seem to bewilder my understanding with this tangle of words. Tell me one thing decisively, by which I may attain the highest good.

In the beginning, sinless one, I taught this world a twofold path: the yoga of knowledge for the followers of Sankhya, and the yoga of action for those who practice yoga.

A person doesn't reach freedom from action just by abstaining from action, nor does one attain perfection by renunciation alone.

No one can ever remain even an instant without acting; everyone is made to act helplessly by the guṇas born of prakṛti.

One who restrains the organs of action but sits dwelling in the mind on sense objects—that deluded being is called a hypocrite.

But one who controls the senses with the mind and, unattached, engages the organs of action in karma yoga—Arjuna, that person excels.

Perform your prescribed action, for action is superior to inaction; even the mere maintenance of your body would not be possible without action.

This world is bound by action, except action done for the sake of yajña. Therefore, son of Kunti, perform action for that purpose alone, free from attachment.

In ancient times, having created humankind together with yajña, Prajapati said: "By this you shall multiply—let this be the cow that fulfills your desires."

"Nourish the gods with this, and let those gods nourish you. Nourishing one another, you shall attain the highest good."

"Nourished by yajña, the gods will give you the enjoyments you desire." One who enjoys what they give without offering anything in return is nothing but a thief.

The good, who eat what remains after yajña, are freed from all wrongs; but those who cook only for themselves eat sin.

From food, beings come into existence; from rain, food arises; from yajña comes rain, and yajña arises from karma.

Know action to arise from brahman—here, the Veda—and brahman from the Imperishable. Therefore this all-pervading brahman is forever established in yajña.

Whoever, here in this life, does not follow this wheel already set turning, living sinfully and delighting in the senses—Partha, that person lives in vain.

But the person who delights only in the Self, who is satisfied with the Self, and content in the Self alone—for that one there is no obligatory duty.

Such a person has nothing to gain in this world by acting, nor anything to lose by not acting, nor does he depend on any being for any purpose.

Therefore, always perform your obligatory action without attachment; by acting without attachment a person attains the highest.

It was through action alone that Janaka and others attained perfection. You should also act simply with a view to holding the world together.

Whatever a great person does, others follow. Whatever standard he sets by his action, the world pursues.