of the past, the action of the past, the action of the past.Thus: jnātva, knowing well; kritam- done; karma- work; formerly certainly, tasmāt- therefore; tvam- you; formerly-as: mumukṣubhiḥ- liberated ones; kuru- to be done. – former; api- really; karma- work; eva- by the former; purvataram- in the past; kritam- as done.
In ancient times, all the three living beings performed their actions with this understanding of My divine nature. Therefore, you should perform your actions by following in their footsteps.
PURPORT There are two classes of human beings. Some are filled with contaminated worldly matters in their hearts, while others are liberated from worldly matters. Krishna consciousness is equally beneficial to both. Those who are filled with contaminated matters should take to the path of Krishna consciousness for gradual purification by following the principles of devotional service. Those who are already purified of contamination should continue to perform their ideal activities in Krishna consciousness so that others may benefit by following their ideal activities. Foolish persons or beginners in Krishna consciousness think of renunciation of activities without the knowledge of Krishna consciousness. The Lord did not accept Arjuna’s desire to retire from the battlefield. A man simply needs to know how to act. To sit alone and perform Krishna consciousness activities, giving up the activities of Krishna consciousness, is inferior to actually being in the field of work for Krishna. Arjuna is advised here to follow the earlier disciples of the Lord, like the sun god Vivasvan, mentioned earlier. The Lord knows all his past activities, and also knows the activities of all those who have previously worked in Krishna consciousness. Therefore, He recommends the activities of the sun god. That sun god learned this art from the Lord millions of years ago. All such disciples of Lord Krishna are here described as previously liberated persons, participating in the performance of the activities assigned by Krishna.
which; karma – action; kim – which; akarma-akarma; iti- that, kavayaḥ- wise men; also; atra – in this matter: mohitāḥ will be deluded; tat- adi; 1= to you; karma – action; pravaksyami – I will explain; yat – if; jnātva-sikoni, mokṣyase – you will be freed; asubat asubhas.
in myself
They are in the same place.
Then I will explain to you what karma is. Knowing that, you will be able to decide what is karma, even the wise are deluded. You will be free from auspiciousness.
Interpretation:
In Krishna consciousness, action should be performed by following the parables of the earlier authentic devotees. This is recommended in the 15th hymn. Why such action should not be independent is explained in the next hymn.
To perform action in Krishna consciousness, one should follow the leadership of the authoritative persons in the guru parampara, as explained in the beginning of this chapter. The process of non-attachment was first told to the sun god, Surya explained it to his son Manu, and Manu explained it to his son Ikshvaku. This process has been going on on this earth since ancient times. Therefore, one should follow in the footsteps of the previous authoritative persons in the guru parampara. Otherwise, even the most intelligent people will become deluded about the authoritative actions in Krishna consciousness. For this reason, the Lord decided to instruct Arjuna separately about Krishna consciousness. Since Arjuna was directly instructed by the Lord, anyone who follows in Arjuna’s footsteps will certainly not become deluded.
It is said that man cannot determine the system of Dharma through imperfect empirical knowledge. In fact, Dharma is only directly taught by God. “Dharma tu sakshad bhagavatpranitam” (Bhagavatam 6.3.19). No one can create Dharma through incomplete imagination. Man must be Brahma, Shiva, Narada, Manu, Kumaragana, Kapila, Prahlada
