Miscellaneous - Religion   

Aim for truth religion

CHENNAI: Humanity falls under the two broad classifications, the introverts and the extroverts, and the Bhagavad Gita shows each category the path to enlightenment to suit their different temperaments through the paths of knowledge (Jnana) and action (Karma). The introverts being contemplative by nature find it easy to tread the path of knowledge while the extroverts with a propensity to be active can reach enlightenment through action.

Since Lord Krishna extols the value of the path of Jnana, Arjuna wonders why he should engage in this terrible war and entreats the Lord to clarify this confusion. Srimati Sunanda pointed out in a lecture that Lord Krishna’s advice becomes easily applicable to all since all the unique and distinctive circumstances based on one’s ability, temperament, vocation, status, etc., in which an individual might be placed have been factored in.

The sequence and logic of thought in this argument is reasonable and practicable and attracts tremendous regard and respect since it takes us towards the highest goal while also teaching one to cope with day to day living. The faith and determination to understand the urgency to learn the purpose of one’s existence and act accordingly is emphasised.

Karma Yoga is defined as the spirit and attitude behind one’s routine actions, both physical and mental. All individuals are bound to act and cannot escape action. Merely restraining one’s actions and allowing the mind to indulge in sense objects reflects only the lack of honesty in one’s attitude.

On the other hand the ability to control the senses with will power is recommended so that one acts with detachment and dedicates all actions to God. This is possible when one learns to attribute the right sense of values towards the world that tends to attract. Once we know that these worldly objects, including emotions, experiences and reputation etc., are temporary, ephemeral and passing, we can divest them of the black market value that has been imposed on them. Thus one gradually gains mental strength and inner courage to deal with the challenges and aim for the ultimate goal, liberation.

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