Consistency Between Word and Deed

March 30, 2026

K SIVA PRASAD
The writer is a senior IAS officer in the Punjab Government.

Children look to their parents to understand the world and to learn new things, etiquette, behavior, and so forth. For this very reason, it is said that the best way to raise a child is to set an example of consistency between one’s words and one’s actions. This reliance continues into the later stages of life as well, where the dependence may shift to friends, teachers, mentors, and others.

This implies that there are always people who rely on us and look to us for guidance. Everything we do has an impact on them. In this context, Sri Krishna states: “Whatever a noble person does, others follow suit; whatever standard he sets, the entire human community abides by it” (3.21). Lord Krishna further explains: “In these three worlds, I have neither any duty to perform nor is there anything left for Me to attain; yet, I remain constantly engaged in action (3.22). For if, perchance, I were to cease acting with vigilance, great harm would ensue, as human beings in every respect follow My path (3.23). If I were to refrain from action, all these people would perish in chaos; I would become the cause of social disorder and the destroyer of all these living beings” (3.24).

Clearly, Lord Krishna embodies the Supreme Soul (Paramatma)—a form in which He later reveals His Universal Form (Vishwaroop). He also represents the principle of Creativity, which encompasses the processes of creation, sustenance, and dissolution. In these verses, Lord Krishna outlines the consequences that would arise if this creative force were to cease performing its designated functions.

When a farmer sows wheat, it is the creative force that is responsible for germination. If this creative force were to halt, the seed would become utterly useless. Furthermore, even after germination, if the crop fails to grow, it leads to confusion and futility. And even after growing, if the plant fails to yield seeds, it would result in the extinction of future generations. Our lives in this universe depend heavily upon the visible and invisible automatic processes inherent within it—a reality made possible solely through the ceaseless and tireless efforts continuously exerted by this creative force.