Miscellaneous - Religion   

Committed to work

CHENNAI : Among the diverse modes of spiritual practice explained in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna's exposition of the path of Karma Yoga is practicable and ultimately can lead to liberation. The main focus is on the attitude with which one performs actions. "Do your duty. Do not expect any rewards" is the oft-quoted refrain reinforcing the thrust on commitment and sincerity and involvement when engaged in any action. If actions are performed with a view to gaining wealth, fame, or any other desire, the results of (good and bad deeds) become binding on the individual. Hence all work is to be done in a spirit of sacrifice and for the sake of the divine. Sri Mathivannan pointed out in a lecture that Lord Krishna did not merely say these words but illustrated its import through His own deeds, and stood up to His own teachings.

That the essence and intricate value of Karma Yoga lies in dignity of labour and attitude to work is clearly illustrated in the way Lord Krishna steps into the role of Arjuna's charioteer. He showed that His work did not end with merely driving the chariot for Arjuna. In addition to His popular image of a cowherd He reveals His love and compassion for the horses that draw His chariot. Every day of the battle He would wash them meticulously, feed them lovingly and keep them energetic and fit to face the battlefield, highlighting the element of involvement when performing action.

This selfless attitude to work can be practised by all — from the humblest to the mightiest — when each one is expected to do the allotted work. The emphasis is on the performance of action without attachment. The path of Karma Yoga is both the means and the goal for it calls for both effort and practice.

Through the practice of one's own trade or occupation performed with involvement the mind gets purified and perfection is attained. This paves the way to gain true Jnana that liberates. One's dharma lies in action. Lord Krishna says that no one can remain even for a moment without doing any work and that every one is driven to act because of the impulses born of nature. Action is unavoidable for even mere living is an act.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 8905
Solution to Puzzle 8904
Committed to work
dated May 5, 1957: Nehru springs a surprise
dated May 5, 1957: Mao on Sino-Soviet unity
dated May 5, 1957: Perspective planning
Weather

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu