Gita Acharan

S ome common threads in the Bhagavad Gita are easy to understand but difficult to inculcate. On the other hand, some of them are very difficult to comprehend. One such issue is ‘ niyat karma ’ (prescribed or obligatory action). The questions such as what our prescribed or obligatory duties are; what should be tolerated and what shouldn’t be - are always intriguing. The books and preachings of various enlightened masters add to the confusion, as they outwardly appear contradictory. Even our own understanding keeps changing with our age and experiences. Eating when hungry and drinking when thirsty are natural niyat karma . But life is complex and presents many complicated situations. That’s why Krishna earlier said that this issue is an intricate one and even the wise are confounded about the subtleties of karma and akarma (inaction) (4.16). He further says that the nature of karma is very difficult to know. Certainly, to fully understand the nature of right and prescribed action, o...

A fter elaborating on the four schools of thought about renunciation, Krishna says, “Now hear My conclusion on the subject of renunciation which is threefold” (18.4). The subsequent verses clarify that renunciation is of three types viz. Satva, Rajo and Tamo renunciation. Krishna further says, “Actions based upon yajna (sacrifice), daan (charity), and tapah (penance) should never be abandoned; they must certainly be performed. Indeed, acts of yajna, daan and tapah sanctify even the wise (18.5). These activities must be performed without attachment and expectation of rewards. This is My definite and supreme verdict” (18.6). Performing karma without the expectation of karma-phal is another core teaching of the Bhagavad Gita. At the level of ignorance, one keeps collecting material things, gathering power, fame and influence. Renunciation is the next stage. One might treat it as a barter like donating to get fame or to attain punya (virtue) etc. Renunciation might a...

T he Bhagavad Gita contains eighteen chapters and 700 verses. The eighteenth chapter is called ‘Moksha Sannyas Yoga’ - Union with liberation through renunciation. It is reaching the destination, which is moksha or liberation, through the path of sannyas or renunciation. This liberation means freedom from a divisive mindset; freedom from belief systems; and finally, even freedom from renunciation itself. This chapter begins with Arjuna’s question, “O Hrishikesha, I wish to know distinctly the truth of sannyas (renunciation) and tyaga (relinquishment or abandonment)” (18.1). Krishna replies, “Sages call ‘sannyas’ the renunciation of all desire ridden actions. The wise declare that ‘tyaga’ is the relinquishment of the fruits of activities (18.2). Some philosophers declare that all work is tainted and should be forsaken; others declare that acts of yajna (fire rituals or selfless actions), daan (charity), and tapah (penance or self-discipline) should not be relinquished” (18.3)...