The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Arjuna asking a smart question to Bhagawan Krishna at the beginning of the third “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. Arjuna asks thus, “Oh Krishna! It seems to me that practising the “Gnyaana Yoga” is much easier as compared to practising the “Karma Yoga”! All I need to do is go to the forest, close my eyes and start focusing on you! Can I do it now and prevent this war from happening? If “Gnyaana Yoga” is a better way to attain you, why shouldn’t I go for it, rather than killing all these people in the name of “Karma Yoga”?” 

As Arjuna asks thus, Bhagawan Krishna becomes angry! He immediately replies back thus, “Oh Arjuna! You’ve understood it wrongly! I’ve clearly created a group of people who are fit to perform the “Karma Yoga” and a separate group who are fit to perform the “Gnyaana Yoga”! It is only for certain people, does the “Gnyaana Yoga” exists. Oh Arjuna! Now let me tell you one thing very clearly – You are not fit to perform the “Gnyaana Yoga”! You are only at the level of performing “Karma Yoga”!” Hearing this sharp response from Bhagawan Krishna, Arjuna is stunned! He did not expect such a blunt reply from Bhagawan! Arjuna asks back thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! How do you say that I’m unfit for the “Gnyaana Yoga”? You know that I’ve achieved so much in my life and I’m not of any low level in terms of spiritual advancement. Inspite of this, how do you say that I’m not fit enough for the path of “Gnyaana Yoga”?” As Arjuna asks thus, Bhagawan replies bluntly once again with anger – “Oh Arjuna! You’re thinking too much of yourself! Who on earth told you that you’re spiritually advanced? It’s nothing like that! You’re still at the fundamental level only! First of all, you have so much ego within yourself! Just because I’m sitting with you today, giving you so much advice, it doesn’t mean that you’re too great and accomplished! There have been enormous “Gnyaanis” in this world like Sage Jada-Bharata, Sage Vasishtachaarya, Sage Vishwamitra, Sage Bharadwaaja, Sage Vyaasa, etc. These are the ones who are eligible to traverse the path of “Gnyaana Yoga”! Who are you when compared to all these people? Can we even compare? All these sages have achieved tremendous levels of spiritual progress through their constant penance! Do you even know how much effort these sages have put in, to attain those levels? Do you even know for how many decades they’ve been into penance? Obtaining “Brahma-Rishi” stature isn’t as easy as you think! There is a huge effort behind it, and it is because of this high stature that they’ve obtained over the years, they’ve made themselves eligible to walk the path of “Gnyaana Yoga”. As compared to these great sages, what have you achieved? You were saying that you’ve accomplished a lot in life, didn’t you? So tell me what have you accomplished as compared to these people? First of all, are you able to control your senses properly? The moment I gave you a blunt reply, you started getting angry and jittery, didn’t you? If such is the case, where is the complete control of senses? This is the basic requirement for progressing towards the “Gnyaana Yoga”! For instance, if Karna frustrates you from the other side with some irritating words, you will immediately fume with anger, won’t you? If Duryodhana attacks you with an arrow, will you keep quiet? If he mocks you even for a minute, will you be able to tolerate it? I’m sure you wouldn’t be able to control yourself! Hence, without attaining complete control over your five senses and mind, how are you going to enter into the “Gnyaana Yoga”? If at all you go to the forest, close your eyes and sit for sometime, do you think you’ll be able to focus completely on me? I’m sure you won’t be able to! What if either Duryodhana or Karna come to your vicinity and make fun of you? Will you tolerate it and still continue to meditate? I’m sure you won’t! You will immediately jump up and give them a punch! So if you do this, what will happen to your pursuit towards the “Gnyaana Yoga”? Oh Arjuna! Please do not be in a hurry! You should first attain complete control over your senses and for this, performing your “Karma” is very important. While you perform your “Karma”, the more you do it with a detached mind, you’ll attain that maturity slowly and once you’re through with this stage, you will automatically become eligible for the “Gnyaana Yoga” path!” 

Now this is a very important point that Bhagawan is stressing upon! Many of us might also be having the same thought as what Arjuna had, don’t we? For this, the answer that Bhagawan Krishna has given now should be an eye-opener, and for today, let us ponder over this answer of Bhagawan Krishna’s and we shall continue this discussion further in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna giving a clear roadmap as to how do we bring our mind under control. The only way, as Bhagawan says, to control our mind is to bring Bhagawan into our focus completely. He explains that when we sit down for our spiritual practices, we should start thinking about Him and commence. As time progresses and as we continue to focus on Bhagawan, our “Sattva Guna” will start dominating slowly. As our “Sattva Guna” dominates, we would be able to attain complete focus. However, this might not last long during the initial stages. Our “Rajo Guna” and “Tamo Guna” might take over, as our “Sattva Guna” fades away due to many external disturbances and uncontrollables. During these times, we’ve to again try and bring back our focus on Bhagawan and allow our “Sattva Guna” to dominate once again. This is a continuous and a long process and as ardent followers of our “Sanaatana Dharma” and as spiritual seekers, we should meticulously keep trying without getting demotivated. 

Bhagawan Krishna continues further thus, “Oh Arjuna! Those who are able to give up their “Ahankara” and “Mamakara” and focus on me completely, will be able to understand the “Atma-Saakshaakaaram” and thereby, will be able to attain me completely. As the person focuses on me more and more, he / she would be able to wash off all the dirt that is sticking on to him / her owing to various sins that we might have performed during our earlier births!” Thus, the stepwise progression is very clear here – Performing our “Karma Yoga” and through that we get our mind focused on our actions. This leads to the single-pointed focus of the mind, which can be diverted towards Bhagawan completely, thereby leading us to the “Gnyaana-Yoga”, which further leads us to the “Atma-Saakshaakaaram” and ultimately leads us to realizing Bhagawan. This is the ultimate message that we should learn from this second “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. 

Moving on further thus, we are now entering into the third “Adhyaaya”, wherein Arjuna is asking a very important question firstup. 

“Jaayati cheth karmanaste mathaa buddhir janaardhana!

Tat kim karmani ghore maam nayojayasi keshava!!”

Now we’re going to see a slight change in approach. But before that, Arjuna is asking a very “smart” question to Bhagawan Krishna, which actually irks Bhagawan Krishna! Through the above sloka, Arjuna asks thus, “Oh Keshava! You’ve detailed beautifully about how the “Karma Yoga” and “Gnyaana Yoga” work! You’ve said that by performing my duty, I shall be able to focus my mind and bring it under control, thereby leading to the next stage called “Gnyaana Yoga”, wherein our focus is on the next level, which is Bhagawan! After hearing this from you, I feel that going into the “Gnyaana Yoga” straightaway is much easier, rather than reaching there through the “Karma Yoga”. If “Gnyaana Yoga” entails completely focusing my attention and mind on you, why can’t I do this straightaway? You’re always with me and you are guiding me in everything that I do. Hence, why can’t I go directly into the “Gnyaana Yoga”, thinking about you all the time?” 

Now this is very smart from Arjuna – He tries to twist Bhagawan Krishna’s stepwise narrative for his own comfort by somehow running away from the battlefield, isn’t it? Ultimately we should remember that Arjuna doesn’t want to fight this war. He’s only trying to build excuses to somehow get out of the battlefield! 🙂 Hence here, Arjuna tries to ask Bhagawan that if one has to focus his / her mind, why can’t he / she directly start thinking of Bhagawan, instead of taking the circuitous route through the “Karma Yoga”! This question of Arjuna clearly angers Bhagawan Krishna and for today, let us understand up to this point! We shall wait till the next episode to witness Bhagawan Krishna’s even-more-smarter reply to this query of Arjuna’s! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Arjuna asking a very important question to Bhagawan Krishna, which is pertinent to all of us as well – Many of us might be very interested in performing various spiritual practices, however, when it comes to giving our 100% effort and focus, does our mind co-operate? Many times, the answer is a big “No”! Our mind will run behind worldly pleasures, to which our five senses would be tempted for! We would sit for performing spiritual practices keeping Bhagawan as our first preference in mind. However, once we start, we would get carried away by many disturbances and in due course, Bhagawan will become our last priority. For instance, if our mobile phone rings when we’re amidst the spiritual practice, we would immediately be tempted to answer the phone call, rather than continuing with our spiritual practice undisturbed, isn’t it? We would keep wondering meanwhile as to who would be calling us and what would be the purpose behind the call, rather than prioritizing Bhagawan over that! This is where we lose the focus! Arjuna too expresses this point to Bhagawan, seeking a solution for this. 

For this, Bhagawan Krishna is now going to give a very important reply, which all of us need to understand. He says that there’s only one way to control the mind from wandering here and there. Bhagawan Krishna says thus, 

“Taani sarvaani samyamya yukta aasethamat paraha! 

Vasehi yasya indriyaani tasya pragnyaa pratishtithaa!!”

Bhagawan says thus, “Oh Arjuna! I understand that it’s very difficult to keep the mind under control and you’ve asked a very important question. If you’ve to control the mind, you’ve to control your senses first. For doing this, there is only one way – Focus all your senses towards me! If you focus your senses towards me gradually, your mind will automatically come under control!” As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Arjuna immediately has a doubt here. He asks back thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Should I think of you and then control my mind / senses, or, should I first control my mind / senses and then think of you?” Now this seems a very valid question, isn’t it? For instance, if I’ve to go to Person X’s house and I’ve to ask for his location – Someone might say that Person X’s house is near Person Y’s. If I ask back as to where is Person Y’s house and if I get a reply that Person Y’s house is near Person X’s, then how am I going to find out which house is where? 🙂 Similar is the case here too – Arjuna is asking whether we’ve to focus on Bhagawan and then control the mind, or whether to control the mind and then focus on Bhagawan! 

For this, Bhagawan has yet another balanced reply thus, “Oh Arjuna! There is a simple way out for this – Try to think about me for a while and then focus for a few minutes. Then once again try to think of me and again try to focus. Of course we’re not going to be dominated by the “Rajo Guna” and “Tamo Guna” all the time. There will be patches of time wherein our “Satthva Guna” will dominate as well. During these precious moments wherein our “Satthva Guna” would dominate, we’ve to use this opportunity to focus our mind on Bhagawan and perform our spiritual practice. Of course, after a while, our “Satthva Guna” might fade away, giving way to the other two Gunas to dominate. Hence, during these times, your mind would slip away from me! However, do not worry! You should once again focus your mind and bring my divine form into your eyes and think of me! Once you restart this, your mind will once again come under control. This process should keep continuing on and on and this is the only way through which your mind can come under control!” 

This is yet another important point that Bhagawan is mentioning here. Thus, the understanding here is very simple – To bring our mind under control, the only way is to have our focus on Bhagawan! So for today, let us incorporate this understanding within us and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode we’ve witnessed a very important point as to how our “Deham” should be employed as a “Saadhanam” and not as a “Saadhyam”. This means that the “Deham” should be used as a vehicle and a divine instrument to follow the path of attaining the highest “Moksha”, and not as an instrument with which we focus only on fulfilling our worldly desires and self-achievement. This is where we’ve to understand that “Karthruthva Buddhi” needs to be left behind and this is because this “Karthruthva Buddhi” leads us to be selfish!  If we’re becoming selfish, we’re only going to end up using our “Deham” as a “Saadhyam”. Our “Purushaartham” should always be attaining “Moksha” and nothing else. Hence, as ardent followers of our “Sanaatana Dharma”, we should be very focused on whatever Bhagawan renders as golden pieces of advice to all of us through this Bhagawad Gita. 

Moving on further, as Arjuna listens to all this from Bhagawan, he is still in the mindset of escaping somehow from the battlefield. Arjuna asks Bhagawan thus, “Oh Krishna! Whatever you’re saying is right! I’m also trying to focus my senses towards the Brahman and I’ve tried many times to sit in the “Padmasana” position to perform penance. However, I’m unable to do it continuously as my mind is getting distracted very soon! How do I overcome this? Should I try once more now, as you’ve detailed many things about it so far?” 

This seems to be a valid question from Arjuna, even though the fact remains that he is still trying to escape from performing his duty. We might also have had such experiences in the past. We might sit on the ground over a mat in the “Padmasana” position, close our eyes and start meditating. Within the next five minutes, someone might bang the door or ring the calling bell! Someone might call us on our mobile! With the advent of social media, our distractions know no bounds today! We would start focusing our mind on Bhagawan, but suddenly our mind would start thinking of someone else if they knock at our door! At that moment, we would completely forget that we’ve to give complete importance to Bhagawan and to nobody else! For instance, we might be very interested in reading and listening to Bhagawad Gita Satsangs from many eminent people. We might also start listening to them as well. Our ears will be wide open and our eyes would also be seeing that person who is delivering the discourse. However, after some time, our mind will start wandering here and there, and the focus would be gone! So, even though our eyes and ears are receiving the content of the Gita, will we be able to grasp it into us and understand it fully? The answer is “No”! Similarly, we might sit in our “Puja-Room” to chant a “Mantra” or a “Shloka” for Bhagawan. We might want to chant the “Mantra” meticulously for 108 times. Our lips would even keep chanting the “Mantra” and our eyes would also be closed! However, our minds would be wandering somewhere else, without focusing on Bhagawan! 

Now we should ask a question within ourselves – Is this fair on our part to sit for a definitive purpose, but without any focus? But is this problem solvable? No matter how much ever we try to focus hard, our mind would escape and go behind the worldly desires picked up by our senses, isn’t it? So what is the solution for this problem? Let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion forward! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we’ve witnessed some important characteristics of a “Stitha-Pragnya”, also referred to as “Gnyaana Yogi”. A “Stitha-Pragnya” is a person who has complete control over all his five senses and is able to focus their attention completely on the “Atman”. Moreover, the “Stitha-Pragnya” is someone who has least interest in the fulfilment of desires pertaining to the “Deham”. Here, we should be able to understand one thing very clearly – When we say that we should give less importance to the “Deham” and more to the “Atman”, it doesn’t mean that we do not take care and nourish our “Deham” at all. We should definitely do this and ensure that we are healthy and physically fit. Only if our “Deham” is physically fit, will we be able to carry out and execute our “Karma” (Actions), isn’t it? We should understand here that the “Deham” is a vehicle / instrument given to us by Bhagawan, through which we can perform our actions. Hence, adequate care and nourishment to the “Deham” is required. However, we should understand the thin line of balance here – If we start giving more than required importance to the “Deham”, it will start asking for more and more, which would lead to desires and fulfilment of the same! We should be very careful not to fall into this trap, but at the same time, nourish our “Deham” and maintain its fitness. 

Extending this discussion a bit more, when we start nourishing our “Deham”, we just mentioned that we get carried away with it. What happens here is that, in today’s scenario, we have enormous exposure to a variety of aspects that pertain to the “Deham”. For instance, almost all of us run behind money. Of course, money is essential for our survival, but can money take top priority in our life? Money is just an instrument and it should be used to attain the “Purushaartham” called “peace of mind” and a satisfied living. For instance, there is a sweet dish and we like it very much. We go to a bakery shop to buy it. Of course, for this, money is required. However, instead of the sweet, can we end up eating the currency notes? Thus, in this context, the sweet dish along with its relishing taste is the “Purushaartham” and the instrument through which we can attain this “Purushaartham” is money. Hence, we can understand here that money is not everything in life. However, we still run behind money in a big way. 

In similar lines, taking care of the “Deham” is of utmost importance and nourishing it is something that all of us have to perform on a regular basis. However, in the name of “nourishment” and taking care of the “Deham”, what do we end up doing? We start “decorating” the “Deham” with a lot of things to satisfy a desire called “good appearance”, isn’t it? For this, we end up buying a lot of things and end up spending enormous time in decorating our “Deham”. Here again we’ve to understand one thing clearly – Appearance is important and it is the “Purushaartham” here. A decent appearance is extremely necessary and we should make sure that we carry ourselves properly when we go out in public space. However, this appearance should not get transformed into a craze wherein we start spending our entire time and money on this. Our focus should always be on the “Atman” and our senses should be driven towards that, rather than something else. 

Thus, we should understand here that the “Deham” is a “Saadhanam” (Instrument) to achieve spiritual progress, however, what we understand about the “Deham” today is that it is a “Saadhyam”. Here, “Saadhyam” means “achieving something and experiencing pleasures out of it”. Of course, achieving something is important, but what do we achieve? Our goal is “Atma-Gnyaanam” and not anything else. Hence, the “Saadhyam” for us should be towards achieving spiritual progress and our “Deham” should be employed as a “Saadhanam” for it. Hence, Bhagawan Krishna advises Arjuna to understand this difference very clearly. In this context, Bhagawan explains that while fighting the war, the “Gaandeepa” is the “Saadhanam” and through the “Gaandeepa”, Arjuna has to attain the “Saadhyam” called “Karma Yoga”. Thus, the point is very clear here – In order to achieve the “Saadhyam”, the “Saadhanam” is required, isn’t it? 

So for today, let us understand this important point that our “Deham” is the “Saadhanam” and not the “Saadhyam”. The “Saadhyam” is something else – Which is nothing but attaining the highest “Moksha”, and for this, the “Saadhanam” is the “Deham”. So let us reflect upon this point and we shall continue our discussion further in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna detailing how doing our duty meticulously with our sincere effort without expecting the result out of it will slowly wash away our sins and how it becomes part of our “Dharma”. In today’s context, we can apply this directly to our “Nitya-Karma” that we’ve to do regularly, which includes our regular “Sandhyavandanam”, “Gayathri Japam”, chanting of shlokas, etc. It doesn’t matter which is our favourite deity, but regular chanting of shlokas and mantras in praise of that deity gives us enormous spiritual power and resilience to face any adversity in our lives. Moreover, regular performance of our “Nitya-Karma” pleases Bhagawan’s heart and through this immense happiness of Bhagawan, He is the one who is going to wash away all our sins. Thus, “Shraddha” is very important in whatever we do and it should also be done with complete “Sharanagati” to Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet. 

Moving on thus, as Bhagawan explains how the “Karma Yoga” leads one to the “Gnyaana Yoga”, Arjuna becomes very interested in this. He asks Bhagawan thus, “Oh Keshava! How does one go to that state of “Gnyaana Yoga”? What is that exactly? Please, can you explain?” Arjuna asks thus: 

“Stithapragnyasya khaabhaashaa samaadhistasya keshava?

Chidadheekim prabhaasheta kim aatheeta vrajetha kim??“

Here the term “Stithapragnya” means a great “Gnyaana Yogi”. So Arjuna is asking Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! What does a “Gnyaana Yogi talk? (“Stithapragnyasya khaabhaashaa”)? What will be his / her language? What will be the words that he / she would be using?? Will that person be very polite? Will that person be an epitome of character?” As Arjuna comes up with this question, Bhagawan replies back to him with the subsequent four shlokas. Bhagawan says thus, “Oh Arjuna! First of all, a “Gnyaana Yogi” is someone who is completely devoid of all desires in this world. All the five senses (Vision, touch, smell, taste and listening) are completely directed and focused towards the “Atman”. All of us have our five senses, isn’t it? But do we see that these five senses act in the way we want them to? Most of the time, the answer is a big “No”! Our senses would keep running like mad monkeys behind worldly pleasures. Our senses are ruled by desires, anger, expectations, etc. If these characteristics are going to rule our five senses, the “Atma-Gnyaanam” is very difficult for us to achieve! However, for a “Gnyaana Yogi”, all these five senses are under complete control. He / she is able to completely focus on his / her “Atman” with all these five senses put together. Thus, with all these five senses co-operating with this person, automatically the mind also comes into complete control!” 

Bhagawan continues further thus, “Oh Arjuna! A perfect “Gnyaana Yogi” is someone who is able to completely let go of those things which would cause desires and anger to flare up! Thus, a “Stitha-Pragnya” (Gnyaana Yogi) is someone who only thinks of the “Atman”. A Gnyaana Yogi is the one who only sees the “Atman” in every living being. A “Gnyaana Yogi” is the one who only talks about the “Atman”. Nothing else comes into the mind or senses of the “Gnyaana Yogi”. He / she doesn’t think anything about the “Deham”, which as we know, is destroyable. However, the “Gnyaana Yogi” doesn’t discard the “Deham” completely. He / she would give importance to the “Deham” to the extent to which it has to be taken care of. Minimal facilities have to be given to the “Deham”, because only if the “Deham” is healthy enough, we can proceed with our “Gnyaana Yoga” and “Bhakti Yoga” correctly without any disturbance. So, basic health of the “Deham” is very important as it is the “divine vehicle” given to us by Bhagawan to execute our “Karma”. Thus, only if the “Deham” is intact, will we be able to perform our “Karma Yoga”, and for this, the “Gnyaana Yogi” completely understands the extent to which the “Deham” has to be taken care of!” 

Thus, we can understand one thing very clearly here from Bhagawan Krishna’s words – “Deham” is very important, but at the same time, there is a clear limit up to which we give importance to it. For instance, when it comes to food, we should of course consume food to an extent up to which our “Deham” will be healthy. Food is required for our survival every passing day, however, we should not get into a situation wherein we are surviving only to consume a lot of food! 🙂 Now this is where the problem comes. Due to the desires behind which our senses run after, we would tend to overdo many things, which aren’t to be done beyond a boundary! This is where we’ve to be very careful! So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a “smart” Arjuna trying to pick up loopholes in what Bhagawan Krishna is saying. When Bhagawan says that we are not the doers while actions are being performed, Arjuna is quick enough to respond to Bhagawan that if he is not the doer, then why should he be in the battlefield at all! If Bhagawan is the ultimate doer of everything in this world, this war also can be done by Him only isn’t it? However, Bhagawan Krishna is quick to retort back – He says that even if we might not be the exact doer, we should strive and put our effort sincerely towards the actions that we do. Thus, even though it might seem outwardly that we’re the one doing the actions, it would be Bhagawan’s “invisible divine hands” that would be doing them! This is a very important philosophy that Bhagawan is explaining here and we should understand the nitty-gritties of it clearly. If we sincerely put our efforts and perform our actions with Bhagawan in mind, we do not need to worry about the result of our actions, do we? This is where the catch is! 🙂 

Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna explains in the 53’rd Shloka of the second “Adhyaaya” thus, “Oh Arjuna! If you keep doing your “Karma” just because I want you to execute it, your desires towards the result of it will come down gradually, thereby, enabling your mind to become calm and still. Just like how a lamp will glow steadily without shaking too much when the oil is full and when there’s not much breeze around, your mind will become still and steady as you do your duty keeping me in your mind!” Now this is applicable to all the “Nitya-Karma” that we perform every single day – Including our regular “Sandhya-Vandanam”, “Teertha-Yatra” (Visiting holy places regularly), performing “Dhaanam” to other living beings, etc. If we keep performing all these actions selflessly without expecting any benefit or result out of it, Bhagawan gets pleased with our actions and through that, our sins are getting washed away on a regular basis. Once our sins are getting washed away, automatically our minds will start getting pure. Once our minds get pure and devoid of unwanted thoughts, automatically the “Gnyaana Yoga” will start prospering. 

Thus, it is evident and important for all of us that we perform our “Nitya-Karma” every day without fail. Before we say that we’ve to perform our “Nitya-Karma” selflessly, we should go one step backwards in today’s scenario – We should first allocate some time in our daily routine to perform the “Nitya-Karma”. This includes our regular “Sandhya-Vandanam”, “Gaayatri Japam”, “Nitya-Aaraadhanam” (Regular prayer chanting) etc. that we should perform on a regular basis. If we can allocate some 20-25 minutes every day in the morning, this would automatically pave the way for washing away all our sins gradually. We might not realize it upfront, but it is a slow and a gradual process. Our “Sanchita Karma” and “Praarabdha Karma” has to be washed away completely before we start walking the path towards attaining the highest “Moksha”, isn’t it? Now this “Karma” is standing in between us and “Moksha” as a stumbling block, which has to be somehow eliminated. So how do we eliminate it? Just like how the rays of Soorya Bhagawan penetrates through dense clouds and provides the much needed sunlight to the world, our “Sandhya-Vandanam” and other “Nitya Karma” would be able to penetrate through our “Sanchita Karma” and the “Praarabdha Karma” to show us the path to attain “Moksha”. Hence, it is important that we start somewhere, isn’t it? Even if we’ve not performed our “Nitya-Karma” till today, it is fine. But we’ve start it now. The moment we start performing our actions selflessly towards Bhagawan, it becomes His duty to relieve us from our sins. We should not worry about whether our sins are getting washed away or not with our daily actions. We should leave that to Bhagawan and if we are sincerely putting effort, Bhagawan’s heart gets pleased and through this, our sins are getting washed away! This is what we’ve to understand from this section of the “Karma Yoga” as explained by Bhagawan Krishna! 

So for today, let us reflect upon this important point, and let us take this as an eye-opener to start performing our “Nitya-Karma” as a routine from this morning itself. Our “Nitya-Karma” can be even a small prayer that we can chant every morning, but it is important that we perform it as a routine practice. We shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Arjuna asking a “smart” question to counter Bhagawan Krishna’s claim on performing the duty without expecting the result. Arjuna’s query is very simple – If I’m not the doer, why should I be present amidst the Kurukshetra battlefield? Let Bhagawan perform the action, if I do not have anything under my control! I shall happily retire to the forest and focus on spiritual growth!” For this, Bhagawan has a stern reply to Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! This is the wrong attitude! You’re trying to escape from what you’re supposed to do! You’ve to do your duty and there’s no backing away from it. However, while doing it, you should do it with an attitude that you are not the doer! You should ensure that you’re putting your 100% effort at all times, with three types of sacrifices (“Thyaagam”) – First is the “Kartrutva Buddhi Thyaagam”, second is the “Mamataa Thyaagam” and the third one is the “Phala Thyaagam”!” 

So what is Bhagawan Krishna highlighting through these three types of “Thyaagams”? This requires an in-depth pondering here. First one is “Kartrutva Buddhi Thyaagam”. This means, performing an action with the intention that I’m the one who is doing it and nobody else can even think of doing such great actions ever! Many of us might be falling trap to this “Kartrutva Buddhi Thyaagam” and this is something we should avoid when we are in leadership positions especially. Some leaders have this attitude – “Oh you know what? Nobody has done such a great action for the past so many years! I’m the one who has completely overhauled the system within just 1-2 years! If I wouldn’t have been in this leadership position, the organization would have gone into the dumpyard long ago!” This is “Kartrutva Buddhi”! Here we’re clearly emphasizing on the “I” attitude and we are proclaiming that I’m the doer and nobody else is! This is a very wrong attitude that a leader can have. If a leader proclaims such things in the organization in front of employee’s, he / she would become very unpopular sooner or later! Hence, if a leader has to be successful, firstly, he / she should always have a “we” attitude, rather than an “I” attitude. Secondly, a leader should always realize that everything that happens in the organization is not merely his / her effort. There are hard works and sincere efforts of many other people in the organization, with which the leader is able to claim credit. A leader should never forget this! 

Second is the “Mamataa Tyaagam”. This clearly means “pride”. Many of us have this problem as well – If something ends up successfully, we tend to take immense pride for the result and will take a lot of credit too! For instance, if someone comes up to us and aprpeciates / congratulates the success of our action (result), we shall react grossly in two different ways – Firstly, we can obviously take credit for what we’ve achieved! We can say thus, “Oh yes! Indeed I’ve put in a lot of effort and I deserve this success!” Second way of reacting is thus, “Oh yes! It is only because of Bhagawan’s divine “Anugraha” that this success happened! If not for His “Anugraha”, what would be possible in this world?” If we’re taking this approach, it means that we’re ready to accept whatever result comes as Bhagawan’s “Anugraha”. Maybe today we might have tasted success and we’re attributing it to Bhagawan’s “Anugraha”. However, tomorrow if we encounter a failure, we should also be prepared to attribute this failure to Bhagawan’s “Anugraha” as well! This is why we always say in our “Sanaatana Dharma” that we should accept whatever comes out of our actions as Bhagawan’s “Prasaadham”! 

Thirdly Bhagawan talks about “Phala Thyaagam”, which clearly means, not caring about the results of the action. Thus, if we perform our duty with these three “Thyaagams” in mind, we are going to be extremely balanced in our approach and as a leader, we would be greatly respected and revered by all our people around us! So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and we shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna emphasizing the point of performing our duty without expecting the result from it, through a very famous sloka in the second “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. Bhagawan Krishna also explains clearly that even though we might be performing the actions, the doer is actually somebody else and not completely us. We’ve to understand that if an action is happening, Bhagawan is using us as a divine instrument to perform it through us. For instance, I’m writing this blog on “Indian Dharma” and posting one episode every passing day – It is not that I’m writing on my own with my own intellect and with my own effort. I’m being used by Bhagawan and Bhagawan is the one who is writing this with my hands. Hence, if we see it in this angle, it can be evident that I’m not the sole doer of the actions! It is Bhagawan who is the doer, but I’m merely an instrument. If such is the case, who should be worrying about the result? Should it be me or should it be Bhagawan? Only the ultimate doer should be worried about the result, isn’t it? I’m only an executor and what is my botheration about the result? This is what we’ve to understand from the “Karmanyeva adhikarasthe” shloka. 

However, as Bhagawan says thus, Arjuna has a quick question, which all of us have in mind too – “If I’m not the doer at all, why should I even be in the battlefield? If Bhagawan Krishna is the one who is conducting the battle (Doer), why should I be in the battlefield at all? There is no need of the executor if Bhagawan is capable of doing everything, isn’t it? Maybe if I’m there and if I’m doing something that might be against Bhagawan’s will and wish, won’t Bhagawan be dissatisfied with the outcome of my stupid actions? Hence, I’m completely withdrawing from the battle and let Bhagawan perform it by Himself, as He wants to restore “Dharma” in this world!” 

Now isn’t this a mere escapism strategy by Arjuna? 🙂 I’m sure many of us would have this thought in our minds as well – For instance, if I’ve to appear for an examination and I’ve to put enormous effort to clear it, we would think thus, “Oh! As per the second “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita, Bhagawan says that we are not the doers of any actions. We are only mere instruments in His divine hands! So, since we are not the doer, why should we prepare for the examination? Why should we go to the examination hall and write the examination for three hours? Bhagawan is all-pervasive and is 100% capable of doing anything and everything, isn’t He? Hence, let Bhagawan prepare and write the examination! Why should we be in this picture at all?” Won’t we have such an attitude in our mind? This is why we see many students circumvent Hanuman’s “Sannadhi” or Saraswati Devi’s “Sannadhi” in many temples for 108 times before the day of the examination! We would have also seen roll numbers being written on the walls of the “Sannadhi” too! 🙂 Why? Are we wanting Hanuman or Goddess Saraswati to come and write our Mathematics examination? The real fact is this – Of course, there is nothing wrong in praying to Bhagawan by circumventing His “Sannadhi”. However, our attitude should be thus, “Oh Bhagawan! I’ve tried my best and put my full effort in preparing for this examination. Now it is up to you to decide the result of it. I shall go on your behalf and give the examination. Through my hands, you’re going to write the examination. Henceforth, it is up to you whether to pass or fail me in this attempt!” If this is the attitude, we are on the right track, and in a way, we are exhibiting complete “Sharanagati” to Bhagawan, along with our efforts! Now, this is exactly what Bhagawan is also going to explain to Arjuna here. 

So for today, let us understand this prelude to what Bhagawan is going to give as a very important reply to Arjuna’s query. We shall wait till the next episode to analyze this deeper! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed how the Vedas and other holy texts are common for everyone and how different people interpret them in different ways for achieving different purposes. For instance, spiritually realized “Mahatmas” chant the Vedas and approach it as a path for ensuring peace and harmony in the entire world, and also specifically to attain the highest “Moksha” and nothing else beyond it. However, a family-oriented person might also chant the Vedas everyday, but for a different purpose – To attain wealth, name, fame, material success, etc. On the other hand, a “Naastika” who doesn’t have any belief in the existence of Bhagawan would also chant the Vedas, perhaps to destroy all his enemies, and thereby if his wish materializes, some faith would enter into him to start following the spiritual path. Thus, we can see clearly that even though the Vedas are the same for everyone, different people employ it differently for attaining different goals and aspirations. 

Moving on further thus, we come to one of the most important shlokas of the “Karma Yoga”. Bhagawan Krishna has now commenced His long accord on “Karma Yoga” and till now we’ve seen how one can attain “Moksha” by doing the duty assigned to him / her. Bhagawan Krishna emphasizes this through the narrative of how the Vedas specify terms and conditions for various aspects of life including attaining the highest “Moksha”. However, for Arjuna, now his duty on the battlefield is of paramount importance. Bhagawan says thus, 

“Karmanyeva adhikaaraste maa phaleshu kadaachana!

Maa karma phalahe thurbuhu maa te sangaha asthu akarmani!!”

Here, Bhagawan Krishna affirms to Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! You do not have any other option but to do your duty. Please do your duty, and this is where you have your prowess (“Karmanyeva-adhikaaraste”). Now, how should you do your duty? You should do it in such a way that you do not expect the result of your actions (“Maa phaleshu kadaachana”). For you, fighting the war is important here. Do not worry whether you will be on the winning or losing side. Your “Dharma” is to fight the war and you should focus on doing it. Moreover, please understand one thing – You are not the sole responsible person for the result that you get out of your action (“Maa karma phalahe thurbuhu”). Your job here is only to perform your action and leave the rest to Bhagawan to take over. You are only the doer, but the one who is giving you the result is someone else (“Maa te sangaha asthu akarmani”!” 

This is yet another important philosophy that we’ve to ponder upon in detail here. What Bhagawan is trying to say here is very simple – For instance, let us assume that we’re writing an examination. Writing the examination with due preparation is our duty and we’ve to do it meticulously by putting our 100% effort into it. However, what Bhagawan says here is that when we finish writing the examination in the hall, we should forget about it henceforth and not worry about the result. We may pass or fail, or even may score high marks. But if we start worrying about the result of the examination – This is what Bhagawan doesn’t want us to do. We should have the mindset that even though we’re the doer here, we are controlled by someone else above. We are not the sole cause of the outcome that is going to reflect in the marksheet. There are many other factors involved. All we can do is to write the examination to our best ability and leave it at that. If we start worrying about the result too much, we would start losing our peace of mind. There might be many uncontrollable factors that would act upon it. For instance, the mindset and approach of the evaluator might be out of our control. We cannot go behind the evaluator, sit near him / her and instruct how many marks should be awarded for each answer that we’ve written, isn’t it? Similarly, there might be many other uncontrollables that might affect the result of our examinations. So this is why, Bhagawan says that there’s no point in worrying about the results. 

As Bhagawan says thus, Arjuna is quick enough to respond and I’m sure, Arjuna’s response would be the one that we would also ask here. Arjuna replies thus, “Oh Bhagawan! You’re saying that I should do my duty with such a mindset wherein I do not expect anything out of it. If such is the case wherein I’m not the doer completely, why should I even do it? I can refrain from doing the action if the outcome is completely not under my control, isn’t it?” In our case, we would simply ask that if the result of the examination is completely out of our reach, why at all should we write the examination? 🙂 So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further to see what Bhagawan is going to reply! Stay tuned! 🙂