Bhagavad Gita 3.17 — The Self-Satisfied Soul Has No Obligatory Duty
यस्त्वात्मरतिरेव स्यादात्मतृप्तश्च मानवः ।
आत्मन्येव च सन्तुष्टस्तस्य कार्यं न विद्यते ॥ ३.१७ ॥
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But those human beings who take delight in the Self, who are satisfied in the Self, and who are fully content in the Self alone, for them there is no duty to perform.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yaḥ | who |
| tu | but |
| ātmaratiḥ | delighting in the Self |
| eva | only |
| syāt | is |
| ātmatṛiptaḥ | satisfied in the Self |
| cha | and |
| mānavaḥ | a human being |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| ātmani | in the Self |
| eva | alone |
| cha | and |
| santuṣhṭaḥ | fully content |
| tasya | for him |
| kāryam | duty, obligation |
| na | not |
| vidyate | exists |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yaḥ | who | ātmani | in the Self |
| tu | but | eva | alone |
| ātmaratiḥ | delighting in the Self | cha | and |
| eva | only | santuṣhṭaḥ | fully content |
| syāt | is | tasya | for him |
| ātmatṛiptaḥ | satisfied in the Self | kāryam | duty, obligation |
| cha | and | na | not |
| mānavaḥ | a human being | vidyate | exists |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the exceptional person who stands beyond the need for duties, the self-realised soul who finds delight, satisfaction and contentment in the Self alone. This verse prevents a misunderstanding: duties are essential for the seeker, but they have a natural end in the fully realised.
Essence
The one who is complete within
Lord Krishna says: "But for the person who delights in the Self (ātma-ratiḥ), is satisfied with the Self (ātma-tṛptaḥ), and is content in the Self alone (ātmany eva ca santuṣṭaḥ), there is no duty to perform."
Ātma-ratiḥ (delighting in the Self): Their joy does not depend on external objects, people or events. It wells up from within.
Ātma-tṛptaḥ (satisfied in the Self): Where others seek satisfaction through food, wealth, or praise, this person is already full. Their contentment is not a temporary result of getting what they want.
Ātmany eva santuṣṭaḥ (content in the Self alone): Nothing needs to be added to complete them, and nothing taken away can diminish them.
Tasya kāryaṁ na vidyate (for them there is no duty): Duties exist to purify the mind and lead a person toward self-knowledge. When that goal is reached, the scaffolding is no longer needed. This does not mean such a person becomes careless or irresponsible. It means no inner compulsion remains.
A caution for the seeker
This verse must be read carefully. It describes a realised state, not an excuse for those who are still working toward it. Arjuna, with his attachments and confusion, is clearly not in that state. For anyone who still feels restlessness, desire or fear, duty remains the practical path.
Message for Everyday Life (Where Does Your Contentment Come From?)
Observe what your happiness depends on: achievements, approval, possessions or circumstances. The more it depends on external things, the more fragile it is.
Cultivate an inner source: Through reflection, meditation, prayer or quiet time, learn to rest in a peace that does not rise and fall with outer events. Even a small taste of this inner contentment changes how we handle both success and failure.
The one who is complete within
Lord Krishna says: "But for the person who delights in the Self (ātma-ratiḥ), is satisfied with the Self (ātma-tṛptaḥ), and is content in the Self alone (ātmany eva ca santuṣṭaḥ), there is no duty to perform."
Ātma-ratiḥ (delighting in the Self): Their joy does not depend on external objects, people or events. It wells up from within.
Ātma-tṛptaḥ (satisfied in the Self): Where others seek satisfaction through food, wealth, or praise, this person is already full. Their contentment is not a temporary result of getting what they want.
Ātmany eva santuṣṭaḥ (content in the Self alone): Nothing needs to be added to complete them, and nothing taken away can diminish them.
Tasya kāryaṁ na vidyate (for them there is no duty): Duties exist to purify the mind and lead a person toward self-knowledge. When that goal is reached, the scaffolding is no longer needed. This does not mean such a person becomes careless or irresponsible. It means no inner compulsion remains.
A caution for the seeker
This verse must be read carefully. It describes a realised state, not an excuse for those who are still working toward it. Arjuna, with his attachments and confusion, is clearly not in that state. For anyone who still feels restlessness, desire or fear, duty remains the practical path.
Message for Everyday Life (Where Does Your Contentment Come From?)
Observe what your happiness depends on: achievements, approval, possessions or circumstances. The more it depends on external things, the more fragile it is.
Cultivate an inner source: Through reflection, meditation, prayer or quiet time, learn to rest in a peace that does not rise and fall with outer events. Even a small taste of this inner contentment changes how we handle both success and failure.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the realised person who needs nothing further. In the next verse, He explains what such a soul's relationship to action truly is, and how they remain free from dependence on anyone or anything.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Look within for what the world cannot give.
The satisfied heart needs little and gives much.
Inner joy makes duty light and craving distant.
The one who is complete lacks nothing to chase.
Peace begins where outer dependence ends.
Deep self-knowledge turns obligation into natural action.
Contentment in the Self is the quietest strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ātma-rati' (delighting in the Self) mean?
Does this verse say that realized souls should stop working?
What is the difference between 'tṛipta' (satisfied) and 'santuṣhṭa' (fully content)?
Is this verse an excuse for ordinary people to avoid duty?
How does this verse connect with the previous verse?
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