Chapter 3 • Verse 17

यस्त्वात्मरतिरेव स्यादात्मतृप्तश्च मानवः। आत्मन्येव च सन्तुष्टस्तस्य कार्यं न विद्यते॥

yas tv ātma-ratir eva syād ātma-tṛiptaśh cha mānavaḥ ātmany eva cha santuṣhṭas tasya kāryaṁ na vidyate

Meaning

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

The fully self-realized person has no obligatory duties because they have transcended all personal needs. But until that point, duty remains binding. Don't pretend enlightenment you haven't achieved.

Strength Reflection

"Until I reach full self-realization, I embrace my duties without excuses."

Devotional Surrender

Lord, until I am fully established in You, guide me in faithful performance of duty.