Bhagawad Gita – Yoga of Action

Bhagawad Gita, the sacred scripture emphasizes the importance of action. It gives out the message to common people to endure and not to run away from their duties.

Lord Krishna in his messages through the Gita says that the common people should adhere to their duties and he dislikes the idea of running away to jungles in order to attain peace and overlook one’s duties assigned to him by God. Bhagawad Gita is a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna at the battleground of Kurukshetra just before the start of war.

When Arjuna refuses to fight against Kauravas, Lord Krishna tells him- “O Arjuna! At this juncture—in the battle field—why did this confusion arise? This is neither the trait of the Aryans nor will it let you attain salvation or even fame. Arjuna, being a coward does not suit you. Shun this weakness out of your heart and let us fight.”

These words are very encouraging for any person. Over the years, these words have sent a ray of hope to millions of hearts. Lots of scared hearts have echoed with the feelings of bravery and patience.

Seeing Arjuna in moral dilemma at the battlefield, Krishna explains to him his duty as a warrior.

The power of God is with you at all times; through the activities of mind, senses, breathing, and emotions; and is constantly doing all the work using you as a mere instrument.

This has led to the Bhagawad Gita often being described as a concise guide to Hindu philosophy. During the discourse, Krishna reveals his identity as the Supreme Being Himself (Bhagavan), blessing Arjuna with an awe-inspiring glimpse of His divine absolute form.

Bhagawad Gita does not only talk of salvation and the ways to achieve it. According to it, one can feel heaven on earth itself, by sticking to one’s duties and performing them well. And the time to realize and start being agile enough towards action, starts now and in this lifetime only, not in any other lifetime.

It clearly says, if the individual is weak, he will have a longer stay in the world. His ‘atma’ or soul will meet the ‘Param-atma’ or the Almighty in this lifetime or in some other. But the individual, who has a strong will, will attain salvation in this lifetime only. According to it, we need not worry for tomorrow. Today is in our hands—then what is the need to worry?

Karma and Bhakti

Lord says, the action of a person who has abandoned all desires is freed from all desire. Being free from a sense of ownership and a sense of ego, he attains peace. This clearly indicates that as common men, we need not get perturbed from the day-to-day issues bothering us.

We need to remember that God governs the world and we, as individuals must only stick to our duties and perform them with faith and devotion and leave all the issues onto Him.

Lord Krishna says one should shun confusion. Bhagawad Gita emphasizes that Bhakti or devotion can be either on the basis of knowledge for those involved in contemplation or another way, which is the path of action.

It also says that, action is part and parcel of life. One cannot abstain from it for any reason. Every moment of their lives, people are forced to act whether they like it or not. One cannot even maintain one’s body without action. So, it is better to do your duty than to remain without doing anything.

Karma and Attachment

Lord Krishna says, great is the man who can perform his duties without any attachment. An action should be performed as if it were a sacrifice being performed in the name of God.

Lord asks Arjuna to perform his duties without any attachment to the fruits of his work. As only by acting without attachment can he realize God.

This way, Bhagawad Gita teaches us the importance of standing for our rights. It tells us to fight back against oppression and misdeed. The Almighty, Himself takes form to uproot injustice and establish peace and harmony in the world.