Gita Acharan

  Krishna says, "One should not abandon sahajam karma (natural deeds) even though all undertakings are inherently marred by blemishes, as fire by smoke" (18.48). Sahajam karma is interpreted as our natural or inborn duty. Another possible interpretation is that they are natural deeds of 'existence'. Whatever may be the interpretation, Krishna concludes that all the karmas are marred by one blemish or another. This implies that no karma is pure. Krishna uses many words for karma (action) on different occasions like akarma (inaction), vikarma (prohibited actions) and niyat karma (prescribed actions). But he never advises us to perform pure karma as all the karmas are marred by blemishes. For example, our immune system keeps us safe from diseases by killing the invading viruses and bacteria on a daily basis. If killing is taken as impure, then our survival or any karmas performed by us are intrinsically bound to be impure. The same is the case with breathing...

  It is said that creation is just a Leela or play and some rules are framed to make it interesting. In the game of football, if the size of the goalpost is too small or too big, the interest in the game will diminish. Similarly, death follows birth; division or separation are some such interesting rules of this creation that helped in the evolution of complex life forms like us. The division is at an individual level as well as at the societal levels which are based on race, religion, caste, economic status etc. and were imprinted on us at an early stages of life. The game is to transcend them and the Bhagavad Gita is a guide to help us transcend these divisions. One such technique is the devotion to swa-karma (one's deed or duty). In that context, Krishna says, "With devotion to swa-karma one attains siddhi (perfection or freedom) as this devotion is nothing but worshipping HIM from whom all beings rise and by whom all this is pervaded" (18.45-18.46). It's ab...

  Understanding varnas (divisions) as well as karmas (actions) performed by them based on the gunas springing from their nature is one of the most challenging facets of the Bhagavad Gita. The difficulty is compounded by the fact that we are deeply identified with one varna or another of these varnas . The following verses clarify that the varnas are not hierarchical and the karmas performed by anyone have equal potential to attain siddhi (perfection or freedom). Krishna says, "With devotion to swa-karma (one's deed or duty) one attains siddhi as this devotion is nothing but worshipping HIM from whom all beings rise and by whom all this is pervaded" (18.45-18.46). Krishna earlier used swa-dharma (own nature) and now uses swa-karma . Essentially, swa-karma emerges from  hidden swa-dharma . Firstly, in today's context, in almost all cultures and societies, some professions like sports, acting and singing receive more admiration than others. Similarly, in...

  The evolution of life is a product of divisions and differences. But there is   'oneness' behind these divisions like an invisible thread supporting different pearls to form a necklace (7.7, 7.8). The game is to develop the ability to see that 'oneness' among the illogical and unreasonable divisiveness we see around us. This can be attained through awareness about 'oneness' and by attaining balance in our actions (2.38, 6.16). Krishna mentioned about four divisions that happen based on gunas and karmas . He says, "Tranquility, restraint, austerity, purity, patience, integrity, knowledge, wisdom, and faith —are the natural qualities of a Bhramana springing from their own nature (18.42). Valor, strength, fortitude, dexterity, not fleeing from battle, charity, and leadership abilities are the natural qualities of Kshatriyas springing from their own nature (18.43). Agriculture, dairy farming, and commerce are the natural qualities of Vaishyas . Actions t...

  Krishna says, "I have created four varnas (divisions) based on differentiation of gunas and karmas , but know Me to be the non-doer and immutable (4.13). Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras perform karmas according to the gunas springing from their nature" (18.41). Firstly, our divisive mind builds hierarchies around us. Secondly, falsehood is nothing but a manipulated truth. Together, a falsehood was built that the divisions are based on birth and are hierarchical. But, the simple truth is that humans are of four types because of the gunas and karmas . Moreover, this division is not a tool to judge a person. These facts need to be kept in mind while understanding verses dealing with varnas or castes which still dominate the social and political fabric of our society. While explaining gunas , Krishna says, "Three gunas of satva, rajas and tamas bind the soul (14.5). Satva binds through attachment to knowledge (14.6). Rajas binds the embodied soul t...