loko vikarma-nirataḥ kuśale pramattaḥ
karmaṇy ayaḿ tvad-udite bhavad-arcane sve
yas tāvad asya balavān iha jīvitāśāḿ
sadyaś chinatty animiṣāya namo 'stu tasmai
lokah -- the whole world; vikarma -- to sinful activities; niratah -- always attached; kusale -- which are for their benefit; pramattah -- bewildered; karmani -- about duties; ayam -- this (world); tvat -- by You; udite -- spoken; bhavat -- of You; arcane -- the worship; sve -- their own (beneficial engagement); yah -- who; tavat -- inasmuch; asya -- of this (world); bala-van -- powerful; iha -- in this life; jivita -- for longevity; asam -- hope; sadyah -- suddenly; chinatti -- cuts off; animishaya -- to "unblinking" time; namah -- obeisances; astu -- may there be; tasmai -- to Him.
People in this world are always engaged in sinful activities and are thus bewildered about their real duty, which is to worship You according to Your commandments. This activity would truly bring them good fortune. Let us offer our obeisances unto the all-powerful Lord, who appears as time and suddenly cuts down one's stubborn hope for a long life in this world.
Lord Krishna states in the Bhagavad-gita (9.27),
yat karoshi yad asnasi
yaj juhoshi dadasi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya
tat kurushva mad-arpanam
"Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform -- do that, O son of Kunti, as an offering to Me."
This is the Supreme Lord's commandment, but people in general are bewildered and neglect this auspicious activity, preferring instead to perform sinful activities that lead them to terrible suffering. The Krishna consciousness movement is working to enlighten the world about this most essential activity of loving service to the Lord.
