39. Dropping Sense of Doership

Krishna tells Arjuna to be steadfast in yoga (yoga being equanimity) while performing karma (actions) by renouncing the sangam (union/ identity) with polarities like success and failure (2.48). In other words, whatever we do would be harmonious when we stop identifying with polarities.

Our daily life involves making a series of decisions and choices. The ever-judging mind constantly chooses among available options to maximize pleasure, victory, and success or to avoid pain, loss, and failure (2.38).

Equanimity is the ability to treat polarities as equal, which is usually referred to as transcending them. When this realisation sinks in, the mind becomes powerless and achieves choiceless awareness. We may also achieve this choiceless state while asleep, intoxicated or sedated. But it is the ability to be non-judgmental while we are still capable of judging. It is being aware in the present moment by being a witness or sakshi.

The practical way to attain equanimity while performing karma is to drop the kartapan (sense of doership) and become a sakshi (witness). It’s like performing a role in a drama with full intensity, commitment, dedication, efficiency and passion.

Similarly, we should perform the roles given to us on the grand stage of life with full dedication. These roles may include being a son or daughter, wife or husband, parent, friend, employee, employer, co-worker, or supervisor. In a day we wear many hats of different roles and while performing each role, we should do our best but knowing fully well that our role is just a part of the drama.

We can start practicing this for a couple of days in all roles given to us by life and see for ourselves the peace and harmony that comes to our lives.


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