235. Prescribed Actions

Some 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, one must also understand the nature of vikarma (forbidden action) and of akarma (4.17).

In the context of tyaga (renunciation) and niyat karma, Krishna says, “Niyat karma should never be renounced. Such deluded renunciation is said to be tamasik (18.7). He who relinquishes painful karma, from fear of bodily discomfort is performing rajasik tyaga. Such renunciation is never beneficial or elevating (18.8). When obligatory action is performed by relinquishing attachment and fruit (of action), it is considered satvik renunciation” (18.9).

In this context, on an earlier occasion, Krishna said that some yogis perform sacrifices to gods; others perform sacrifice by offering sacrifice itself in the fire of Brahma (The Supreme God). Essentially, it is renunciation of even the sense of renunciation from the mind. This is the state of guna-atheeth who transcended the gunas.