Chapter 3 - Verse 20

The wise kshatriyas of old, such as Janaka and Asvapati * tried by action alone to attain moksha (samsiddhi). If they were persons possessed of right knowledge, then we should understand that, since they had been engaged in works, they tried to reach moksha with action, i.e., without abandoning action, † with a view to set an example to the world. If, on the other hand, such men as Janaka were persons who had not attained right knowledge, then, (we should understand), they tried to attain moksha through action which is the means of attaining purity of mind (sattva-suddhi).

Vide Chhandogya-Upanishad v. 11. 4, et. seq.

Though such persons as Janaka were men of right knowledge, they had no right to enter the fourth order of samnyâsa, as they were kshatriyas. In obedience therefore to their prârabdha-karma (i.e., the karma which led them to that birth and which had to be worked out in that birth) which caused them to be born as kshatriyas, they went on in their spiritual career without renouncing works, lest, otherwise, the masses would follow their example. It is, however, proper that they should attain moksha in virtue of their right knowledge.

If you think that obligatory works were performed by the ancients such as Janaka because they were ignorant, and that it does not follow from that fact alone that action should be performed by another who possesses right knowledge and has done all his duties,—even then, as subject to your prārabdha-karma (the karma which has led you to this birth as a kshatriya), and having regard also to the purpose of preventing the masses from resorting to a wrong path, you ought to perform action.

Who should secure the welfare of the world? And how? The answer follows :