The Yoga of Action
In order to remove Moha or
attachment, which was the sole cause of Arjuna’s delusion, Sri Krishna taught
him the imperishable nature of the Atman, the realization of which would grant
him the freedom of the Eternal. A doubt therefore arises in Arjuna’s mind as to
the necessity of engaging in action even after one has attained this state.
Sri Krishna clears this doubt
by telling him that although one has realized oneness with the Eternal, one has
to perform action through the force of Prakriti or Nature. He emphasizes that
perfection is attained not by ceasing to engage in action but by doing all
actions as a divine offering, imbued with a spirit of non-attachment and
sacrifice.
Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna
that the man of God-vision, , need not engage in action, as he has attained
everything which has to be attained. He can be ever absorbed in the calm and
immutable Self. But to perform action for the good of the world and for the
education of the masses is no doubt superior. Therefore, action is necessary
not only for one who has attained perfection but also for one who is striving
for perfection. Sri Krishna quotes the example of Janaka, the great sage-king
of India, who continued to rule his kingdom even after attaining God-realization.
Prakriti or Nature is made up
of the three qualities—Rajas, Tamas and Sattwa. The Atman is beyond these three
qualities and their functions. Only when knowledge of this fact dawns in man
does he attain perfection.
The Lord tells Arjuna that
each one should do his duty according to his nature, and that doing duty that
is suited to one’s nature in the right spirit of detachment will lead to
perfection.
Arjuna raises the question as
to why man commits such actions that cloud his mind and drag him downwards, by
force, as it were. Sri Krishna answers that it is desire that impels man to
lose his discrimination and understanding, and thus commit wrong actions.
Desire is the root cause of all evil actions. If desire is removed, then the
divine power manifests in its full glory and one enjoys peace, bliss, light and
freedom.
Excerpts from:
The Yoga of
Action - Bhagavadgita – Summary of Third Discourse by Sri Swami
Sivananda
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