Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa continues from the previous shloka. In 3.22, he said that he has nothing to accomplish and nothing unattained to attain, yet he remains engaged in action. Now he explains why: because people follow the path of those they revere.

The important word here is atandritaḥ — not lazy, not careless, not negligent, not sleepy in duty. Kṛṣṇa does not merely act occasionally or casually. He remains alert and active in the duties appropriate to his role. Though he is Bhagavān, he lives in the world in a way that teaches human beings how to live.

If Kṛṣṇa were to stop acting, others would imitate him incorrectly. They would not understand his fullness. They would simply say, “Kṛṣṇa does not do action, so we also need not act.” This would become dangerous because most people are not acting from inner fullness; they would be using Kṛṣṇa’s example as an excuse for laziness, escapism, and avoidance of duty.

This is why mama vartma anuvartante manuṣyāḥ is so important. People follow the path of the great. They may not understand the inner state of the great person, but they copy the outer conduct. Therefore, the conduct of a revered person must be carefully chosen.

Kṛṣṇa’s action is not for personal gain. It is for teaching, protection, guidance, and lokasaṅgraha. He acts so that people understand the value of duty, steadiness, and dharma. Arjuna must learn from this. If Kṛṣṇa himself is tireless in action despite having nothing to gain, Arjuna should not abandon his own duty out of confusion.