Yadi Hyaham Na Varteyam

Krishna extends the logic. If he were to stop acting, people everywhere would imitate him. They would sit down, fold their arms, and abandon their responsibilities. After all, they follow his lead in everything.

The word 'atandritah' stands out. It means without laziness, with full alertness. Krishna does not act half-heartedly. He performs every action with complete attention and energy. That is the model of ideal Karma Yoga: not reluctant duty, but wholehearted engagement.

This is the personal application of 3.21. The great person whose actions set the standard is, in the highest sense, Krishna himself.

Verse 3.24 delivers the consequence: if Krishna stopped, the worlds would fall into chaos.