Read-aloud uses a voice on your device. It reads our explanation; it is not a sung aarti or a Sanskrit pronunciation lesson.
Bhagavad Gita 3.21
The traditional text
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते॥
Roman reading aid
yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ |
sa yat pramāṇaṃ kurute lokas tad anuvartate ||
Meaning in everyday language
People tend to follow the conduct of someone they regard as exemplary. The standard such a person establishes becomes a guide that others follow.
Understand the teaching
This verse appears in the discussion of action for the welfare and cohesion of the world, lokasangraha. It draws attention to influence: a respected person teaches through conduct as well as words. The claim concerns the social effect of example. It gives leaders and experienced people a reason to consider how their ordinary habits shape others.
An older student who admits a mistake makes correction easier for younger students. Someone who quietly takes all the credit teaches a different lesson. We can reflect on both sides: the example we offer and the people whose example we choose. Admiration is most useful when joined to examination of the conduct itself.
Words and phrases
- आचरति (ācarati)
- conducts oneself, does
- श्रेष्ठः (śreṣṭhaḥ)
- an exemplary or leading person
- प्रमाणम् (pramāṇam)
- standard or authoritative example
- अनुवर्तते (anuvartate)
- follows
Pause and think
What small example could make your study group more honest?
See an explained answer
I could say clearly when I do not know an answer, then show how I check a source. That makes careful learning easier for others to copy.