33. Focus on Karma not Karma-phal
I n the iconic verse 2.47 of the Gita, Krishna says that we have the right to do karma (action) but have no right over the karma-phal (fruits of action). He further says that karma-phal shouldn’t be the motivating factor for any of our actions. At the same time, we should not lean towards akarma (inaction). This is the most quoted verse from the Gita as it touches upon multiple aspects of life. Krishna says that shraddha (trust) has the power to bring about miracles (7.21-7.22). The sincere practice of this verse’s literal meaning, with shraddha , can lead one to the pinnacle of karma yoga . This helps us internalise the essence without delving deeply into its logic or analysing its various facets. The next progression will be to understand that focusing on karma-phal of our actions will make us lose sight of karma itself. As a result, we will be denied karma-phal itself. A poorly executed karma such as studying by a student, can never yield the desired karma-...