Gita Satsang: Work Honestly Done Will Be Rewarded

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Message of Gita from The Hindu

 

"They only live, who work for the welfare of the next man" was the noble

sentiment expressed by a saint centuries ago. The society has been progressing

all these years as people zealously followed this ideal, though of late

self-interest has come to the fore. This view can be traced to the teachings

of God Himself in the Bhagavad Gita where He has clearly stated that every

person should carry out his duties and discharge his obligations in a perfect

manner. But they should not be concerned about the outcome of their work. It

is for God to grant the fruits based on His devotee's sincerity and dedication

behind his efforts.

 

That work honestly done will certainly be rewarded has been re- told in recent

years by another saint, who has said that "If you want to be happy, you should

make the other person happy." This idea had been in the minds of our ancients

whatever may be the nature of the duties they were engaged in. But it has

found a patent expression among those engaged in agriculture. Those connected

with food production - from landowner down to the laborers - have been toiling

hard for the sake of the entire population. They have always thanked God for

His blessings when they harvested a rich crop. The festival that was

celebrated last week reminds all of us about the duties of peasants who

derived happiness that their work has yielded rich dividends and their

sacrifice has been rewarded.

 

The path of action that has been prescribed by the Lord laid its emphasis on

sacrifice and selfless service. But "work for the sake of work without any

motive" may all be very well in words. When a person enters the practical

field or endeavors to practice, he will encounter difficulties. A

householder's mind is saturated with many desires and he expects fruits for

his actions. But if he dedicates all actions at the feet of God, he will feel

that God works through his sense-organs and he will be quite at ease. The Lord

tells Arjun in emphatic terms: "The lot of that man who works expecting fruits

is pitiable indeed."

 

In a discourse, Swami Vimalananda said, according to the Lord, when one serves

others, he should think that God has given him an opportunity of correcting,

improving and molding himself by means of such service. The path of action,

which eventually leads to the attainment of the infinite bliss of the Self,

can never be futile. The Lord's reference to the path of action will make a

devotee firmly believe that he is but an instrument of God and that he has no

individual will. "You are everything and you do everything."

 

Source: An Article from the Religious Section of The Hindu taken with

permission: "Copyrights

2000 The Hindu & Tribeca Internet Initiatives Inc."