Miscellaneous - Religion   

Perform action as duty

CHENNAI : One desirous of following the tenets of Dharma, which is the cornerstone of all human engagement in the world, can learn it in three ways. The first is naturally from the scriptures (the Vedas), which are the ultimate authority on Dharma and the second source of reference is the texts based on the Vedas, which are known as Smriti. These two are open to those who are sufficiently equipped and inclined to undertake scriptural study. The final option, which is open to one and all, is to follow the elders who are adept in precept and practice. In the Sikshavalli section of the Taittiriya Upanishad, the preceptor advises his disciples after they complete their study to practise what they had learnt by observing the conduct of cultured elders in society.

In her discourse, Swamini Satyavratananda said following the path shown by elders was successful in practical spiritual life as human beings had the natural tendency to emulate the behaviour of those whom they held in great regard. It is with this in mind that Lord Krishna cited King Janaka and Himself as examples of those who engaged in action (Karma yoga) even though they had nothing to accomplish in the world. The Lord mentioned Janaka because he was a great man of wisdom (Jnani) who had been taught the truth by Sage Yajnavalkya; yet he was a Karma yogi who continued to rule his kingdom with detachment (as duty). Krishna told Arjuna, "It is through action (without attachment) alone that Janaka and other wise men reached perfection. Having an eye to the maintenance of the world order you too should take to action."

The Lord did not stop with citing Janaka as a role model for humanity. He gave the reason why He the Almighty, who could accomplish anything by His mere will, should perform action. He was the Lord-incarnate, yet Krishna went to a preceptor to study, extended hospitality to His childhood friend Sudama by washing his feet when he visited Him in Dwaraka, and became Arjuna's charioteer during the war. All His acts go to reinforce the truth that no action is menial when performed as duty. What will happen if the Lord does not engage in action? He clarified, "If I cease to act, these worlds will perish; nay, I should prove to be the cause of confusion, and of the destruction of the people."

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