Pujya Ramsukhdasji Maharaj

[Guest guest]

PATH OF ACTION - KARMA YOGA - IN THE GITA

 

The Gita describes three paths for realization - Path of Action

(Karma), Path of Knowledge (Jnana) and Path of Love / Devotion

(Bhakti). Let us address the Path of Action (Karma) today.

 

Path of Action (Karma yoga) is said to be easier than Path of

Knowledge (Jnana). It can be practiced while doing our normal house

work, while maintaining our relations in the world. Yoga means union,

a continuous relation with the Supreme (God). By practice of Karma

yoga, in and of itself, we can attain realization.

 

In all relations our duty is to protect the rights of the others. For

a mother her duty is to attempt to give her child a good education

and help him progress in life and attain salvation. Similarly for the

child - his duty is to obey his mother and take care of her in her

old age and do whatever he can to help her in her salvation. This is

the basic goal of all relations. It is to assist others in reaching

their salvation - in giving others pleasure - in serving them.

 

The Path of Action (Karma yoga) teaches us to renounce our self

interest, to serve all, without wanting anything in return for

ourselves. Our object is only to give.

 

The Gita says that our right is only in doing our duty (actions) -

not in the fruit (Gita 2:47). It is not for us to see whether others

are doing theirs. We have to do ours. And we are independent in doing

so. The husband should protect and take care of his wife. It is not

for him to want his wife to obey everything he says. It is the right

of the wife to be protected and provided for. Protect the right of

others. Help everyone.

 

Prosperity and progress happens by helping others. Everyone should

help each other. Then the Society will progress. Other have a right

on us. Fulfil that earnestly. Let us not exercise our rights on

others. By simply serving others, we will attain God. Karma yoga is

selfless service for the benefit of others. Everyone serves everyone

(Gita 3:11). And we are not doing a favour to anyone by serving them -

rather it is our duty. Wanting pleasure from others is the cause of

our downfall. Learn to give - not take. By following this path we can

attain God Realization. Our aim is only to serve others, to give

pleasure to them. Selfishness is removed by Karma yoga.