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TEXT 9 yajnarthat karmano 'nyatra
SYNONYMS  yajna-arthat--only
for the sake of Yajna, or Visnu; karmanah--work done; anyatra--otherwise;
lokah--this
world; ayam--this; karma-bandhanah--bondage by work; tat--Him;
artham--for the sake; karma--work;
kaunteya--O son
of Kunti; mukta-sangah--liberated from association;
samacara--do
perfectly.
TRANSLATION Work done
as a sacrifice for Visnu has to be performed, otherwise work binds one
to this material world. Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform your prescribed
duties for His satisfaction, and in that way you will always remain unattached
and free from bondage.
PURPORT Since one has
to work even for the simple maintenance of the body, the prescribed duties
for a particular social position and quality are so made that that purpose
can be fulfilled. Yajna means Lord Visnu, or sacrificial performances.
All sacrificial performances also are meant for the satisfaction of Lord
Visnu. The Vedas enjoin: yajno vai visnuh. In other words,
the same purpose is served whether one performs prescribed yajnas
or directly serves Lord Visnu. Krsna consciousness is therefore performance
of yajna as it is prescribed in this verse. The varnasrama
institution also aims at this for satisfying Lord Visnu. "Varnasramacaravata
purusena parah puman/visnur aradhyate....." (Visnu Purana 3.8.8).
Therefore one has to work for the satisfaction of Visnu. Any other work
done in this material world will be a cause of bondage, for both good and
evil work have their reactions, and any reaction binds the performer. Therefore,
one has to work in Krsna consciousness to satisfy Krsna (or Visnu); and
while performing such activities one is in a liberated stage. This is the
great art of doing work, and in the beginning this process requires very
expert guidance. One should therefore act very diligently, under the expert
guidance of a devotee of Lord Krsna, or under the direct instruction of
Lord Krsna Himself (under whom Arjuna had the opportunity to work). Nothing
should be performed for sense gratification, but everything should be done
for the satisfaction of Krsna. This practice will not only save one from
the reaction of work, but will also gradually elevate one to transcendental
loving service of the Lord, which alone can raise one to the kingdom of
God.
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