knowledge and action

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

 

I thought I would share these thoughts and words from Bhagavad Gita:

 

chapter 3.1

Arjuna said:

1. Krishna, if you think knowledge is superior to action, why urge me

to fight this terrible battle?

2. I am confused by your contradictory words. Please tell me clearly

which path will lead me to the highest good.

3. Arjuna, long ago I explained two paths of faith in this world: the

contemplative are inclined to the path of knowledge, and the active to

the path of service.

4. One cannot gain freedom by avoiding work, or prefection simply by

renouncing.

5. No one can be still for even a moment, for all are compelled, even

against their will, to act accordingly to their natures.

6. One who outwardly controls the senses but inwardly dwells on sense

enjoyment is deluded and is a pretender.

7. But one who inwardly controls the senses while outwardly working

without attachment is on the right path.

8. Perform your duties, for action is better than inaction. Without

work one cannot even maintain the body.

9. Do your work as a sacrifice to Vishna, otherwise it will bind you

to this world. Work for his sake and you will always be free.

10. In the beginning the Creator sent generations of beings into the

world along with Sacrifice, saying, " Be happy and prosper, for

sacrifice will bring you all that you desire. "

11. The heavenly beings, nourished by your sacrifice, will also

nourish you. Pleasing one another, you will all achieve the highest

benefit.

12. satisfied by your offerings, those heavenly beings will give you

all you wish for. But one who enjoys their gifts without giving in

return is a thief.

13. Gentle people who offer their food before eating are released from

all sins, but the unfortunate who cook only for themselves eat

suffering.

14. Life is sustained by food grains. Food grains are nourished by

rains. Rains depend on sacrifice, and sacrifice is born of work.

15. Work comes from the Vedas, and the Vedas arise from the Supreme

Godhead. Therefore the all-prevading Transcendence is eternally

situated in acts of sacrifice.

16. So the wheel of sacrifice. One who lives selfishly, who delights

only in the senses and does not care for the turning of the wheel,

lives in vain.

17. However, one who finds pleasure within, who is illuminated within,

who is satisfied in the self alone - such a person has no need to work.

18. This person has nothing to gain or lose by working or by not

working, and does not depend on any being for anything.

19. Thus do your work without attachment, for by working without

personal motive you will reach the Supreme.

 

Love,

 

Chuck