Through Desire less Action

Arjuna seeks clarification of what appears to be a contradiction. Krishna both renounces action and then recommends performing action. [Verse 1]

Arjuna said:

O Krishna, you praise both renunciation of action and performing of action. Between the two, which is better? [1]

Krishna says, Both paths lead to Self-Realization, but of the two, action is superior. It is difficult to refrain from action (eg, to sit and meditate 20 hours a day), so it is easier to act (ie, action devoted to God and God’s children in need). [Verse 2]

Lord Krishna said:

Both renunciation of actions and doing prescribed actions lead to liberation. But of the two, fulfilling your responsibilities is superior to renunciation of action. [2]

The person who is constantly engaged in renouncing actions (working for God and God’s children), who is self-sufficient (ie, not in the ‘give-me’ mode), who acts without desire to have or aversion from what comes automatically (eg, pleasure or pain, win and loss, happiness and sorrow) is following the superior path. A person who follows this path is said to be a mental sannyas (one who lives for the welfare of others).

This active path allows for a transparent life ― one in which the results can be seen. There can be no pretending on this path. Here, action speaks louder than words. Whereas on the path of renunciation, one can say that they have been inactive, but who is there to verify it?

Now Krishna makes a more interesting point:

Renouncing action (sannyas or jnyan yoga) and acting for others (karma yoga) are in fact part of the same yoga or two sides of the same coin. Someone who successfully renounces life can gain inner wisdom or Self-Realization; and the successful karma yogi (actor) finds wisdom by giving loving action. Both gradually come to realize they are the Divine eternal love.

Those who dedicate their lives to God and helping God’s children are free from suffering because suffering arises from personal desire. They are also free from any bondage to virtue, since they are not crediting themselves as the doers of virtuous actions, which ego. Those who give all credit to God are free from longing and ownership. If all things are the Self, then what is not the Self? There is nothing but Self. Thus, there can be no desire or aversion or the sight of something other than eternal, omnipresent Self. So this person acts only for Self-Realization and helping creation, and not for fame or fortune, and brings about peace.

It is a fair question to ask, how does one develop such a seemingly to desiring for Self development and helping God’s children?

There are several ways to cultivate selfless actions and thoughts.

Parenting requires putting the needs of others first. Parents often go without sleep to tend to a newborn child. They work to earn for their children and for their children’s education, health, and happiness.

Teaching also requires putting others first. Teachers, like parents, teach children to think of others first. They teach them to be ethical, virtuous, honest, compassionate people and citizens of the community and the world.

Working for or conducting business with socially responsible companies is yet another way to achieve these goals. Companies can exact a fair fee from others for their products and services; they can produce or use renewable energy products; they can also ensure the health and welfare of their workers and their families, including their retirement benefits, and make contributions to the community.

If you review your own lives, you might realize that your basic necessities have always been met. This may inspire you to increase your faith in God or nature or spirit, the provider of providing for you when you are using your God-given gifts to help others? Thus, your minds are freed to spend more of your time sharing your innate gifts and helping others.

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