Relevance of Karma and Bhakti margs

[Guest guest]

Further to an earlier email exchange with a student in

Singapore who wanted to know the relevance of Karma

and Bhakti Margs..... we share the response from

from one of our list members

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Namaste,

 

Karma - doing an action - is the inherent nature of all organisms.

 

The human capacity to reflect on the 'what, why, where, when, who,

and how' of action is unique among all the organisms on earth.

The human organism is also inquisitive about individual and

collective destiny in the context of oneself, family, society, nation,

humanity, etc. The choice of 'shreyas' [true happiness] over 'preyas'

[transient joys] is also uniquely human.

 

Sages, in all cultures, by deeds and words, have shown what constitutes

holiness, sacredness, sublimity, transcendence, beatitude, purity,

divinity, etc.

 

In the course of inhabiting the earth over thousands of years, the

concept of Dharma - ideal rules/values of conduct that promote individual

and collective welfare - have become central, not just for the duration of

one's life, but for all times and generations.

 

If one studies all the verses in the Gita which include the words karma

and dharma, and lives accordingly, their relevance for today can be

easily understood.

 

On the individual level, the concepts of sthitaprajna [one of steady

wisdom], gunatita [one who has transcended the limitations of nature], etc.

are all explained. The intellectual foundation for these values is also laid

out. Even the sages have been duty-bound to act in the interest of society

[lokasangraha].

 

 

Bhakti is an additional resource for which many human beings have a natural

flair, but the underlying goal is the same - to experience the highest ideal

human beings are capable of, that of divinity of all existence.

 

There is no dearth of commentaries and interpretations of the Gita's

relevance. If one imbibes whatever one finds relevant in one's own life, it

will ennoble one just as it has done for many over the last 5000 years.

 

 

Regards,

 

Sunder