chapter4

[Guest guest]

To the moderaters,

In the 4th chapter , a discussion about karma vikarma akarma is given can a

short comment be made regarding these definitions? since there is an apparent

contradiction between the meaning we understand and the implied meaning

geetacharya describe.

Mirmala

[Guest guest]

Namaste,

 

Gita : 4:17 -

 

karmaNaH api boddhavyaM boddhavya.n cha vikarmaNaH .

akarmaNaH cha boddhavya.n gahanaa karmaNaH gatiH ..

 

" For verily (the true nature) of "right action" should be known;

also (that) of "forbidden (or unlawful) action" and of "inaction" ;

imponderable is the nature (path) of action." Sw. Chinmayananda

 

The meanings would seem to be:

 

vachyaartha lakshyaartha [varies with commentator]

 

karma = any action action in accordance with dharma

 

vikarma = forbidden action action opposed to

dharma

[vipariita karma]

 

akarma = non-action, inaction abandonment of action, as a

privilege

of renunciates or sanyasa.

 

naishhkarmya = actions without the element of egoism

 

Only Vinoba Bhave interpreted vikarma as 'visheshha karma', the

actions that purify the mind. Even Tilak, the foremost proponent of

Action as the essence of Gita, translates vikarma as vipariita karma.

 

Gita's synthesis is in nishhkaama karma, [in Gandhi's words anaasakti

yoga], and naishhkarmya-siddhi, perfection in non-egoistic action].

 

The debate on the definition of these terms is not likely to be

conclusive on the intellectual plane!

 

As repeatedly taught by the sages, the Gita is interpreted according

to the 'adhikara' or competence of the individual. The destination is

the same for all, and the first four verses of Ramana Maharshi's

Upadesha Sara is a good summary to refer to.

 

 

Regards,

 

s.

 

 

 

 

 

advaitin , slimaye@a... wrote:

>

> To the moderaters,

> In the 4th chapter , a discussion about karma vikarma akarma is

given can a

> short comment be made regarding these definitions? since there is

an apparent

> contradiction between the meaning we understand and the implied

meaning

> geetacharya describe.

> Mirmala