Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa continues the teaching of lokasaṅgraha. He has already explained that great people influence society, and that if he himself neglected action, people would imitate that neglect and society would decline. Now he explains how a wise person should act among people who are still attached to action and results.

The first half describes the avidvāṁsaḥ, those who do not yet know the Self. They are saktāḥ karmaṇi — attached to action. They act because they depend on action and result for fulfillment. They think, “This success will make me secure. This achievement will prove my worth. This recognition will complete me. This result will give me happiness.”

The wise person, vidvān, has understood that fullness is not produced by action. He does not need action to become complete. He has nothing to prove through achievement, praise, possession, position, or status.

Yet Bhagavān says the wise person should act tathā — outwardly in a similar way. He may work, teach, guide, serve, rule, organize, worship, speak, eat, walk, and perform duties like others. From outside, his life may look active.

But the inner difference is crucial. The ignorant person acts saktaḥ, with attachment. The wise person acts asaktaḥ, without attachment. His body and mind may be active, but the heart is free. The action is not for personal completion. It is for lokasaṅgraha — holding society together, guiding people, protecting dharma, and preventing confusion.

This also shows the wise person’s sensitivity. If a wise person abruptly drops action, immature people may imitate the outer inaction without understanding the inner freedom. They may say, “The wise do not act, so we also need not do our duties.” That would lead to laziness and disorder.

Therefore, the wise continue to act when appropriate, not because they are bound, but because their conduct helps others. For Arjuna, the message is direct: do not abandon your duty. Act without attachment, not for personal gain, but for dharma and lokasaṅgraha.