The Yoga of Renunciation of Action
In spite of Sri Krishna’s
clear instructions, Arjuna still seems to be bewildered. He wants to know
conclusively which is superior, the path of action or the path of renunciation
of action.
The Lord says that both the
paths lead to the highest goal of God-realization. In both cases the final realization
of the Atman is the aim, but the path of Karma Yoga is superior. Actually there
is no real difference between the two.
Krishna further asserts that
perfection can be attained and one can be established in the Atman only after
the mind has been purified through the performance of selfless action. The
Karma Yogi who is aware of the Atman and who is constantly engaged in action
knows that although the intellect, mind and senses are active, he does not do
anything. He is a spectator of everything. He dedicates all his actions to the
Lord and thus abandons attachment, ever remaining pure and unaffected. He
surrenders himself completely to the Divine Shakti. Having completely rooted
out all desires, attachments and the ego, he is not born again.
The sage who has realized
Brahman and is always absorbed in It does not have any rebirth. Such a sage
sees Brahman within and without—within as the static and transcendent Brahman,
and without as the entire universe. He sees the one Self in all beings and
creatures—in a cow, an elephant, and even in a dog and an outcaste. He is ever
free from joy and grief and enjoys eternal peace and happiness. He does not depend
upon the senses for his satisfaction. On the other hand the enjoyments of the
senses are generators of pain. They are impermanent. Sri Krishna reminds Arjuna
that desire is the main cause of pain and suffering. It is the cause of anger.
Therefore, the aspirant should try to eradicate desire and anger if he is to
reach the Supreme.
The Lord concludes by
describing how to control the senses, mind and intellect by concentrating
between the eyebrows and practicing Pranayama. One who has achieved perfect control
of the outgoing senses and is freed from desire, anger and fear attains
liberation and enjoys perfect peace.
Excerpts from:
The Yoga of Renunciation
of Action - Bhagavadgita – Summary of Fifth Discourse by Sri Swami
Sivananda
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