41. Labelling Vanishes in Yoga
O ur lives revolve around labelling our deeds and decisions as well as those of others as good or bad. Krishna says that endowed with intellect, one sheds both good and bad deeds (2.50), which implies that labelling vanishes once we attain yoga - yoga being equanimous or being in the middle. We will be able to perceive things as they are without our own judgements. Moralistic discourses guide us to avoid bad deeds and cultivate good deeds, which is undoubtedly helpful in the early stages of the spiritual journey. However, Krishna points out that one who is endowed with true wisdom ultimately transcends both good and bad deeds. Even good deeds can subtly strengthen ahankaar ( aham-karta , I am doer), as a person may begin to feel superior to those who perform bad deeds. At a later stage of the spiritual path, this sense of superiority can become a significant obstacle. Therefore, the real focus should be on understanding and transcending the divisive mind that constan...