Almost all actions are undertaken because we gain something from them. We gain by looking after our body and are obliged to look after it, to avoid suffering from ill health. Similarly, we are obliged to take care of our family; keep it together and integrated.
Further, we have an obligation to society, in return for the many services that it provides, like schools, colleges, hospitals, roads and the like. Under the umbrella of our country we are provided with governance and other facilities for the efficient functioning of society; therefore we have an obligation towards it.
On a larger perspective we are a part of the world and hence have an obligation towards other beings, animals, all living creatures, rivers, oceans, forests, pollution, global warming and the environment, to name a few. We are directly affected by the failure to perform our obligatory duties to any of the above. However by performing them sincerely, the mind becomes peaceful and calm. This is so because when we do something that we know intrinsically is right, the mind is peaceful; when we do something wrong or unethical, immediately the mind gets agitated. By following dharma, we achieve both outer prosperity and inner peace.
What is the difference between duties and rights? When we fail to perform our duties then we hear a big noise about rights! It is the children’s duty to look after their parents but when they fail to do so, we hear of parents demanding their rights by moving the courts. If duties are not performed properly then it hampers the rights of another. However, duties performed in a holistic manner, with the welfare of all at heart, automatically take care of rights.
Actions should be performed with a sense of obligation and feeling of duty (kartavya buddhi). Such actions are naturally the product of a mind that is cool and balanced, not affected by memories of the past, excitement of the present or anxieties of the future (samatvam buddhi). They are an offering to the Lord as worship or puja with a peaceful attitude, rendering them efficient (samarpan buddhi). Finally, the results accruing from the actions, whether conducive or otherwise should be accepted (prasad buddhi).
Once Akbar asked Tansen why he could not sing as brilliantly as his teacher. He is supposed to have replied: ‘I sing for you, O king, whereas he sings for the Lord! Therein lies the difference!’
The result of any action is not within our control. It is dependent on the sum total of all the effects that Totality has on any action. This can be explained with an example. I throw this flower to you to catch. At my end I have performed the action by lifting my arm and throwing the flower across the room to you. Now, where exactly the flower will land, how it will fall, how you will pick it up or catch it cannot be pre-determined. It depends on many factors like the force with which it is projected from my hand, the air currents, the speed or velocity that takes it forward, and your receptivity and preparedness to catch it. They are all contributors in the performance of this simple action.
Our contribution to an action is a mere 1% and 99% rests with the Totality. Yet all of us assume that we alone are responsible for an action. Yes, we can plan and prepare for an action to be performed but really speaking, there are no guarantees on the outcome. If we can understand this at a very subtle level, we absolve ourselves of any guilt if the action is not conducive to our expectations and arrogance if it is. When the mind accepts this, it becomes peaceful and the ensuing actions are efficient. Subsequently, when actions are efficient, we succeed and prosper externally.
Three important factors together contribute to holistic living:
-Good and positive values like friendliness, forgiveness, humility, kindness and compassion.
-Sound wisdom backed by knowledge that makes our attitudes and behaviour holistic keeping the welfare of all in mind.
-Actions which are efficient, resulting in positivity and prosperity.
Goodness of heart and purity of mind, coupled with the sublime wisdom of Oneness finds expression in efficient action.
If we have only one of the three, namely goodness but lack in wisdom, then we suffer. We feel victimised and the resultant actions are not efficient. It is akin to money in the bank with the password forgotten! We suffer because we are foolish.
On the other hand, if we are intelligent and efficient with great knowledge but lack innate goodness, there is danger because it results in chaos and misery for all. Most harm in the world is done by these smart and efficient people.
Intelligence is required to assess the world, people and the situations we find ourselves in. Wisdom is needed in dealing and interacting with people and transacting in the world. We may pat the cow on its back, but it would be foolish to pat the tiger! This in essence is nishkama karma yoga.
COMMENT