BHAGAVATGITA FOR BUSY PEOPLE - CHAPTER 3

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My Dear Bhagavat Banduvullara,

 

BHAGAVAD GITA FOR BUSY PEOPLE - SWAMI SIVANANDA

 

CHAPTER THREE - THE YOGA OF ACTION

K A R M A Y O G A

 

Arjuna said. " if it be thought by Thee that knowledge is

superior to action, when then O Krishna, does thou engagest me in

this terrible action-1 ?/ Thou confusest my understanding. Tell me

that one way for certain by which I may attain eternal bliss " - 2.

 

Lord Krishna replies. " In this world there is twofold path,

the path of knowledge of the Sankhyas and the path of action of Yogins

-3. Man cannot remain even for a moment without performing some kind

of action. Everyone is helplessly driven to action by the qualities

born of nature. 5. That fool, who merely controls the organs of

action but continually thinks of the objects of senses is called a

Mithyachara or hypocrite -6.

 

" Do sacrifice to the Devatas. They will in turn give you

plenty of food and cattle-11. Constantly perform your duty without

attachment. You will attain the Supreme -19. Janaka attained

perfection by action. -20. The great man should set an example to

the world -21. I perform action though there is nothing in the three

worlds that should be done by Me -22.

 

" The egoistic man thinks ' I am the doer '. In reality

Prakriti does everything. -27. A jnani remains as a silent witness

and who knows the essence of the division of the quality and

functions is not bound -28.

 

" Control Raga-Dvesha, obstructors of the spiritual path. Do

your own duty well. Control desire and anger - the enemies of

wisdom. Master first the senses. Kill this enemy-desire by

restraining the self by the Self and knowing Him who is superior to

intellect " 37-43.