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Practice of Karma Yoga

CHENNAI: A self realised person derives satisfaction in the joy of the Self (Atman). Such a person has no merit to gain by action and no loss to incur by inaction. Being self realised, he is content and satisfied with the Self and has no need to work towards spiritual attainment. Since Arjuna had not yet attained the state of wisdom of a self realised person, Lord Krishna advised him to continue to do his duties until he reached the state of spiritual maturity, said Swami Gautamananda in a lecture. Lord Krishna emphasised that even the self realised people such as King Janaka engaged in selfless action and worked ceaselessly for the welfare of the world and not for any personal or selfish desires.

Though one has no necessity to perform Yoga after one has become self realised, a leader follows spiritual discipline such as meditation, worship, etc., to make others follow the same practices. Such action thus serves to instruct others in the right path through example. Leaders and noble people are considered as role models and their lives are emulated by many common people.

The values and principles of life are kept alive in the way of life of the people who uphold them. People of integrity and character have always attracted a large gathering and a society/group selects such leaders for guidance and inspiration. Whatever authority man accepts — in the social, secular or spiritual field — he follows it faithfully.

This prevailing tendency has nurtured spiritual leaders such as the Buddha or national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi who continue to wield tremendous influence far beyond their lifetime. The Buddha inspired the monastic way of life while Gandhiji’s choice of the path of non-violence and truth initiated the entire nation in their quest for freedom.

Discipline is necessary at the individual and social level, for if people adopt the path of indiscipline, there will be chaos. If the leader falters or slackens, the tendency for others to slip from the disciplined way of life is also likely to happen. Discipline trickles down to the common man from the highest leader in any group or country. Discipline is the secret to the successful attainment of spiritual Jnana.

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