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Essence of Karma yoga religion

CHENNAI: Work as a form of worship is emphasised in the Bhagavad Gita and this is shown to be the natural outcome of non-attachment. When Lord Krishna explains the distinguishing features of Karma Yoga, He claims that there is no escape from duty for mankind, while none can claim any attachment or possessiveness to the actions performed, and also any fruits thereof.

This indicates renouncing both the sense of I and Mine with regard to actions one does, and also the results. Though this looks a tall order to all those who are engaged in action, the spirit of this Karma Yoga is best exemplified in Lord Krishna, said Sri O. R. Devanathan in a lecture. It is God’s ceaseless activity and ever vigilant presence that is the cause of the world and its sustenance.

In urging Arjuna to fight the battle, the Lord is only pointing to Arjuna’s Kshatriya dharma. The war has to be fought and cannot be abandoned in view of his duty as a warrior, even if it entails fighting his preceptors and kinsmen. All work has to be done in a spirit of sacrifice for the sake of the Divine and without anxiety about the result of actions. This is the way to reach enlightenment in the path of action.

In addition, Lord Krishna draws attention to the crucial and significant link that runs through the entire creation wherein all created beings are interdependent and sustain one another with their actions. The wheel of creation is kept in motion when a harmonious relationship between celestials, men, and the animal and plant world is maintained. Social order is preserved through selfless and constant action and mankind needs to remain grateful to the celestial world for the bounties (friendly environment with food, rain, etc.,) that nourish the earth.

With this awareness when each individual performs one’s ordained duties, one is prompted to rise above selfish purpose and work for the community and society. The practice of Karma Yoga in daily life makes an individual fit through action, meditation and devotion to sharpen his reasoning and develop intuitive power of acquiring knowledge so that he is able to transcend the mind itself.

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