Responsibility — Lesson 10

Verse

Transliteration

evaṁ jñātvā kṛtaṁ karma pūrvair api mumukṣubhiḥ
kuru karmaiva tasmāt tvaṁ pūrvaiḥ pūrvataraṁ kṛtam

Meaning

Knowing this, even those who sought freedom in the past performed action. Therefore, you too should act, following the example of those before you.

Key Words

• mumukṣubhiḥ — seekers of freedom
• jñātvā — having understood
• kṛtam karma — action performed
• pūrvaiḥ — by those before
• kuru — perform

Teaching

Krishna reassures Arjuna. Even those who understood the truth did not withdraw from life. They continued to act. Why? Because action is part of life, and it can be a means of growth. The difference is: they acted with understanding, not with attachment. Their actions were aligned, steady, and free from inner conflict. Krishna is asking Arjuna to follow that same path.

Connection to Responsibility

Responsibility is a timeless principle. Every generation must act, and act rightly. Learning from those who have understood life helps us act with clarity and confidence. Responsibility is not new — it is a continuous flow through time.

Reflection

Who are the people I look up to for how to live and act? What can I learn from their way of engaging with life?