Responsibility — Lesson 7

Verses

Transliteration

utsīdeyur ime lokā na kuryāṁ karma ced aham
saṅkarasya ca kartā syām upahanyām imāḥ prajāḥ

saktāḥ karmaṇy avidvāṁso yathā kurvanti bhārata
kuryād vidvāṁs tathāsaktaś cikīrṣur loka-saṅgraham

Meaning

If I were not to act, these worlds would perish. I would be the cause of disorder and destruction. Just as the ignorant act with attachment, the wise should act without attachment, for the welfare of the world.

Key Words

• utsīdeyuḥ — would decline, collapse
• saṅkara — disorder, confusion
• avidvāṁsaḥ — the unwise
• vidvān — the wise
• asaktaḥ — without attachment
• loka-saṅgraha — welfare of society

Teaching

Krishna makes a powerful point. Even one who has understanding cannot withdraw from action. Why? Because action sustains order. If responsible people stop acting, confusion and disorder increase. The difference is not in action, but in attitude. The unwise act with attachment. The wise act without attachment, but still act fully. Their action becomes a stabilizing force in the world.

Connection to Responsibility

Responsibility includes maintaining order. My actions contribute to the system I live in. Acting responsibly supports harmony. Avoiding action or acting carelessly contributes to confusion. This verse shows that responsibility is not just personal — it is societal.

Reflection

Where in my life do my actions affect others? Am I contributing to order, or adding to confusion?