Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa continues the teaching on lokasaṅgraha and the responsibility of great people. In the previous verse, he said that whatever a respected person does, others follow. Now he gives the greatest example: himself.

Kṛṣṇa says, na me kartavyam asti — there is nothing that must be done by me. This is not the statement of laziness. It is the statement of fullness. Bhagavān is complete. He does not need action to become greater, purer, happier, safer, or more fulfilled.

He also says, na anavāptam avāptavyam — there is nothing unattained that has to be attained. Human beings act because we feel something is missing: money, respect, security, pleasure, recognition, knowledge, or peace. But Bhagavān lacks nothing. There is no unfulfilled project, no incomplete desire, no personal gain waiting to be achieved.

Still, Kṛṣṇa says, varte eva ca karmaṇi — yet I remain engaged in action. He lives in the world, performs his role, guides people, protects dharma, supports devotees, serves as friend, charioteer, messenger, teacher, ruler, and guide. His action is not driven by need. It is an expression of fullness and compassion.

This is the model Arjuna must understand. Arjuna may think, “If knowledge is great, perhaps I can drop action.” Kṛṣṇa answers through his own life: action may continue even when there is nothing personally to gain. A wise person does not act because he is incomplete; he acts because dharma and lokasaṅgraha require it.

Therefore, 3.22 teaches a high form of action: action without personal agenda. For ordinary seekers, we act to purify the mind. For the wise, action may continue for the welfare of the world. In both cases, duty is not to be rejected casually.