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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com)

 

Engage in action for its own sake

 

CHENNAI, SEPT. 17. Detachment to the material world has been

advocated as the key to spiritual progress and Lord Krishna has

taught the Yoga of action in the Bhagavad Gita. As it is not

possible for man to desist from action (Karma) the only course

open to him is to understand the right method of engaging in

action. This technique is termed Karma Yoga in the Gita,

according to which man has the prerogative to act only and not to

the result. This requires an attitude of total detachment to the

fruits of his labour, whether it results in success or in

failure. Is this possible in day-to-day life? Will anyone toil

without some motive or expectation of reward?

 

On the face of it one may dismiss this as a theoretical

proposition not practical in the workaday world. But, the

scriptural texts are replete with instances of great souls who

have led such detached lives and even in this age there are such

selfless people. Like a top which continues to spin on its own

momentum till it stops the very fact of human birth is due to the

Karma which has started giving result. Till it gets exhausted one

has to live in this world but one is vested with the choice to

put an end to rebirth. For this one must not accumulate further

Karma in this life. This is possible only if one develops

detachment by engaging in action for its own sake, which requires

a shift of focus.

 

The attachment we have towards worldly objects and relations

which is the root of desire and spurs man to action, must be

transferred to God. As love and devotion to Him take root the

worldly bonds will loosen on their own. Prahlada's prayer to Lord

Narasimha when He was ready to grant boons to His child-devotee

illustrates this subtlety, ``If You are inclined to bestow on me

boons, I solicit from you this boon alone that no more desires

may ever sprout in my heart.'' True devotion to God is

unconditional - love of God for His own sake. Generally it is

common to see devotion to God out of fear or with some motive.

One must transcend this level.

 

In his discourse, Swami Nishtatmananda said when one performed

action for its own sake there would not be feelings of

competition or jealousy. Such an action done as duty with

dedication and love becomes transformed into worship of God.

Sometimes a sense of lassitude overtakes even a person who is

detached because the mind cannot for long function without some

motive in day-to-day life. Swami Vivekananda has indicated that

such a sense of lethargy can be overcome when it is understood

that one must act for the sake of others.

 

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