Hindu Article-A useful proposition

[Guest guest]

A useful proposition

 

CHENNAI: All human beings are under compulsion to engage themselves

in the performance of actions of some kind or other, when they are

part of this worldly life. An individual thus performs actions and is

responsible for the consequences of his acts, good and bad. It may be

thought that earning the fruit of good deeds is more beneficial than

that of bad ones.

But Lord Krishna states that neither good nor bad deeds are going to

be of any help to individuals, since both bind them in chains. The

only difference is that performance of good deeds binds them with a

golden chain, while the other gets them into an iron chain, said

Swami Omkarananda in a lecture.

Realising this truth alone can lead an individual to aspire for

release from the binding chains, where the question of the nature of

the chain becomes immaterial. To break free from these fetters caused

by one's actions is the ultimate goal of human existence. Those

failing in this attempt will continue to be ensnared in an

inescapable trap.

But when one is forced to act, and acts are binding on the

individual, seeking release appears to be a tall order. Lord Krishna

Himself offers a suggestion that helps to turn a shortcoming

(compulsion of performance of action) into a highly beneficial

advantage (freedom from worldly bondage). The secret of this is in

the spirit with which one performs the actions. An individual is

entitled to the fruits of his labour. But whether he expects and

accepts the entitlement or not is his choice. If one longs for the

fruits, one will be born again.

But he who performs the ordained acts in a detached manner (without

desiring the fruits of his acts) with all the sincerity, while

adhering to the code of Dharma, can secure freedom from bondage.

Such a person is unaffected by praise or blame arising from his

actions. He remains indifferent to success and failure. By learning

to live without attachment to worldly objects, his mind strives to be

steadfast and unwavering, and be Focussed on the goal of human

existence, namely God realisation.

This is the state of self-discipline that is difficult to achieve,

but, if achieved, it is the only state capable of getting relief from

worldly bondage. The onus lies on the individual to convert a

weakness into a strong point.

 

 

Copy Right: The Hindu-daily