Bhagavad Gita 3.21 — Whatever the Great Do, Others Follow
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः ।
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते ॥ ३.२१ ॥
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Whatever a great person does, ordinary people follow. Whatever standard such a person sets, the world follows.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yat | whatever |
| yat | whatever |
| ācharati | does, practices |
| śhreṣhṭhaḥ | a great person, a respected leader |
| tat | that |
| tat | that |
| eva | indeed |
| itaraḥ | ordinary |
| janaḥ | people |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| saḥ | he |
| yat | whatever |
| pramāṇam | standard, authority |
| kurute | sets |
| lokaḥ | the world |
| tat | that |
| anuvartate | follows |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yat | whatever | saḥ | he |
| yat | whatever | yat | whatever |
| ācharati | does, practices | pramāṇam | standard, authority |
| śhreṣhṭhaḥ | a great person, a respected leader | kurute | sets |
| tat | that | lokaḥ | the world |
| tat | that | tat | that |
| eva | indeed | anuvartate | follows |
| itaraḥ | ordinary | ||
| janaḥ | people | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna explains the power of example. Whatever an eminent person does, others follow, and whatever standard such a person sets, the world adopts. Leadership therefore carries a special responsibility.
Essence
The influence of the exemplar
Lord Krishna says: "Whatever a great person (śreṣṭha) does, others follow. Whatever standard that person sets, the world follows."
Śreṣṭha (the eminent, respected person): This can mean a leader, teacher, elder, parent or any person looked up to by others. Greatness here is not only power or status but also the respect and trust people place in someone.
Pramāṇa (standard, authority): The conduct of such persons becomes a measure by which ordinary people judge what is acceptable. People often watch actions far more closely than they listen to words.
Loka (the world, society): Social habits, ethics and values spread largely through imitation. A single example can shape the behaviour of a community or generation.
Responsibility that comes with influence
This verse carries a serious message for anyone in a position of influence. If a leader speaks of honesty but acts dishonestly, society learns dishonesty. If a teacher preaches renunciation but does not practise it, students lose faith.
It also applies to Arjuna directly. He is a respected warrior and a prince. If he abandons his duty in the name of wisdom, many will follow his example, weakening the very foundation of dharma.
Message for Everyday Life (You Are Being Watched, Lovingly)
Children observe their parents, junior colleagues observe senior ones, friends observe each other. Our habits of speech, honesty, anger, kindness and discipline are quietly taught through our conduct.
Live as you wish others to live: Instead of lecturing, strive to embody the values you hope to see. This is the most effective teaching.
The influence of the exemplar
Lord Krishna says: "Whatever a great person (śreṣṭha) does, others follow. Whatever standard that person sets, the world follows."
Śreṣṭha (the eminent, respected person): This can mean a leader, teacher, elder, parent or any person looked up to by others. Greatness here is not only power or status but also the respect and trust people place in someone.
Pramāṇa (standard, authority): The conduct of such persons becomes a measure by which ordinary people judge what is acceptable. People often watch actions far more closely than they listen to words.
Loka (the world, society): Social habits, ethics and values spread largely through imitation. A single example can shape the behaviour of a community or generation.
Responsibility that comes with influence
This verse carries a serious message for anyone in a position of influence. If a leader speaks of honesty but acts dishonestly, society learns dishonesty. If a teacher preaches renunciation but does not practise it, students lose faith.
It also applies to Arjuna directly. He is a respected warrior and a prince. If he abandons his duty in the name of wisdom, many will follow his example, weakening the very foundation of dharma.
Message for Everyday Life (You Are Being Watched, Lovingly)
Children observe their parents, junior colleagues observe senior ones, friends observe each other. Our habits of speech, honesty, anger, kindness and discipline are quietly taught through our conduct.
Live as you wish others to live: Instead of lecturing, strive to embody the values you hope to see. This is the most effective teaching.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has said that the world follows the example of great persons. To make this more vivid, He now offers the most striking example of all: Himself, the Lord of the universe, who still engages in action even though He has nothing to gain.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
People copy what you do far more than what you say.
The way you act becomes the way others act.
A leader's private conduct becomes public culture.
Every position carries an invisible audience.
Standards are set by what is practiced, not by what is preached.
The best teaching is a life well lived.
Be the example you would want others to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 'śhreṣhṭha' (great or respected person) in this verse?
Why do people follow the actions of such a person?
What does 'pramāṇa' (standard or authority) mean here?
Does this verse place a burden on leaders?
How is this verse linked with the next verse?
Explore related topics
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