Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verses 40 & 41 - Some thoughts

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nehaabhikramanaasho.asti pratyavaayo na vidyate .

sval{}pamapyasya dharmasya traayate mahato bhayaat.h .. 2\.40..

 

40. In this there is no loss of effort, nor is there any harm (production of

contrary results) . Even a little of this knowledge, even a little practice of

the YOGA, protects one from the great fear.

 

While conducting an action, we should employ concentrated efforts using body,

mind and intellect with complete synchronization. Actions conducted with full

dedication and discipline are likely to yield the expected fruits. The

agriculture example is a beautiful one where the entire production operation has

to follow the perfect schedule in order to get the expected output. In

agriculture, cooperation from nature is also an essential component and

uncertainty is always present. Heavy rainfalls, hot climate and drought

conditions, and storms can potentially affect the yield. If all goes well then

our action will yield the expected results. Lord Krishna correctly points out

that actions and results can't be separated and consequently we should focus our

attention on the action and understand the rules. Agricultural production

activity is a ritual and if it is conducted perfectly will yield good results.

If we violate the rules of the rituals, are likely to fail and we should be

aware that the success depends on our dedication and full cooperation from

nature and other invisible actors.

 

Lord Krishna makes clear distinction between ‘Karma Yoga (action conducted with

full concentration of mind, body, intellect and soul without desire for the

fruits)' and Karma (ritual with fully defined rules and with desire for fruits).

The Karma Yogi follows the spiritual path of life and the Karmi conforms to the

materialistic life. Consequently Karma Yogi liberates himself/herself from the

bondage of worldly life. Karma Yogi's mind is free anxiety and fear.

 

vyavasaayaatmikaa buddhirekeha kurunandana .

bahushaakhaa hyanantaashcha buddhayo.avyavasaayinaam.h .. 2\.41..

 

41. Here, O Joy of the Kurus, Kurunandana, there is but a single-pointed

determination; many-branched and endless are the thoughts of the irresolute.

 

Lord Krishna continues his argument in favor of Karma Yoga and he applies a

sophisticated persuasive approach to convince Arjuna to change his mind.

Duality and plurality of thoughts pollute the mind and the mind indulge in

rationalizing human behavior irrationally! When the actions are conducted with

the Yagna spirit, duality and plurality disappear and we can work with one

resolute determination with a single-pointed mind. With the absence of Yagna

spirit, actions are conducted with endless desires for results and the mind and

personality get distracted. Bhagawan implicitly points out that the Karma Yogi

is the self-realized person who represents the True Divine Nature.