In the Gita’s third chapter, Arjuna wonders whether renunciation can free him from accountability for not doing his duty. His question points to a concept similar to what modernity calls the social contract, wherein we accept certain facilities from society and are expected to discharge certain obligations to society. If Arjuna desires nothing from society, does that release him from his social obligations?

Not really; Krishna cautions that most people are not renounced enough to be completely free from all social obligations. Even if Arjuna is among the rare exceptions, he still needs to remember that he is a leader whom people imitate (03.21) — they need to do their duty to elevate themselves; if they imitate him, their premature renunciation can ruin them.  To underscore the importance of setting a good example, Krishna first gives the precedent of dutiful monarchs like Janaka (03.20). Then, he gives his own example. “Although I am neither obligated by any duty nor obsessed with any desire, I still act (03.22).”

In asserting that he has no duty or desire, Krishna points to his supreme divinity. By definition, God is perfect and complete. The Sanskrit word often used to convey this completeness is ‘purnam’ — pertinently, the Ishopanishad’s invocation of the Absolute Truth uses ‘purnam’ seven times. Because of his supreme completeness, Krishna is the ultimate example of someone entirely beyond any social contract. Yet, he is diligently dutiful, just to inspire others to be similarly responsible.

It’s remarkable that Krishna mentions his divinity not to force Arjuna to comply, but to inspire Arjuna to choose wisely. Such is Krishna’s overall mood in the Gita: he doesn’t demand obedience, but inspires diligence. 

One-sentence summary: 

Krishna reveals his divinity passingly to complement his teaching about detached dutifulness with his personal example. 

Think it over: 

  • Why does Krishna want Arjuna to do his duty?
  • In the Gita’s third chapter, why does Krishna indirectly reveal his divinity? 
  • What is Krishna’s overall mood in the Gita? 

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03.22: O son of Prutha, there is no work prescribed for Me within all the three planetary systems. Nor am I in want of anything, nor have I a need to obtain anything – and yet I am engaged in prescribed duties.

 

To know more about this verse, please click on the image