The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Path of right action

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Thursday, May 20, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Path of right action

CHENNAI, MAY 20 . It is human nature to compare one's lot with that of others. With such an attitude there is always the possibility of feeling envious of those who are better placed and frustrated when one is unsuccessful in life. Man only reaps the result of his Karma and hence each person's life is unique. The Supreme Being, who is the dispenser of the fruit of man's actions, is impartial and hence when unsuccessful one has to realise that it is one's Karma that acts as the impediment. This should not, on the other hand, make one a fatalist. One must have a positive outlook and make efforts humanly possible in all endeavours but leave the outcome to God.

The Bhagavad Gita throws light on how to be balanced in life while expounding the path of action (Karma yoga). If the result is the motive for action there will be accumulation of fresh Karma, which in turn will necessitate another birth to enjoy it. The Gita shows the way out, "One who is contented with whatever is got unsought, is free from jealousy and has transcended all pairs of opposites, like joy and grief, and is balanced in success and in failure, is not bound by his action." Hence a spiritual aspirant who acts in this manner can develop a balanced perspective and also progress spiritually.

In his discourse, Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalachariar said an individual who was established in the Self would not engage in action for the sake of enjoyment because he had no attachment to his body. All his actions are performed as sacrifice and so the upkeep of his body becomes incidental. Another attitude one can develop is to look upon everything as the Supreme One (Brahman). The actions of such a person will not be bound by his Karma.

For example, every individual is enjoined to perform certain obligatory sacrifices daily. While performing it one can envision the ladle with which the oblation is poured into the fire, the oblation and the fire as Brahman. The person who performs it, the act of doing it and the goal to be attained by its performance all can be seen as Brahman. How then can one explain the distinction between the Supreme Being and the individual? The knowledge that Brahman is the cause and sustenance of the entire creation, and ultimately withdraws all into itself will enable the spiritual seeker to develop this vision.

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