Have you ever read or heard about the Hindu epic of Mahabharata? The Mahabharata is filled with many life lessons that can guide us to a right path. After reading the stories during the Dharma Internship program , I realized how invaluable lessons this epic has stored for humans. Out of all these lessons, one particular lesson of Karmayog( path of action) has influenced me the most.
In the battlefield of Kurukshetra, when Arjuna drops his weapon against the Kauavas, Krishna helps Arjuna in this conflict through the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna had said, “The meaning of Karma is in the intention behind the action. Those who are motivated only by desire for the results of action remain unhappy, because they are constantly anxious about the results of what they do.
In chapter 3 of Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna asks Krishna if Knowledge of Brahman is superior to the Path of Action (karma yoga), then why should he engage in this terrible action of fighting the battle? Answering this question Krishna says , God is present in every act of service. Those who violate this selfless service and focus on their own pleasure have wasted their life(1). Only those who do their duty selflessly for the good of all people will find real peace and satisfaction. A true KarmaYogi works hard even without personal gain. Only the ignorant work just for personal gain.(1) This world runs smoothly because people do their duty. For example, parents work hard to support their family, and the children do their part. By performing one’s responsibilities without any attachment one realizes the Ultimate Reality (Brahman). This teaching of karma yoga helped Arjuna to pick up his weapon also known as the Gandiva to fight against evil Kauravas.
In the Gita, Krishna says that doing your work is worship(1). It doesn’t matter if you die doing your duty. For example, a soldier fighting for his country only thinks about his duty towards the country without worrying about the outcome. Even the death of that soldier doing that duty is indeed glorious. In Hinduism, Karma Yoga is considered one of the most important paths to spirituality along with the paths of Jnana (knowledge), Raja (meditation) and Bhakti (devotion)
People who are constantly doubting themselves because of their mind fixed on the result, never reach the path of excellence. Today, Mental Health issues are at stake just because in the competitive world, youths are stressed about the outcome of their actions towards their goals. The teaching of Krishna highlights the importance of doing your best without putting your energy in the fear about the outcome. It’s better to invest in your actions than on the worry of the outcome.
Expectations often lead to frustrations. If we follow the teachings of the Gita, we can enjoy our journey towards our goal by putting our best into the action. In chapter two verse forty-seven, from the Gita, its mentioned that “Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani”. This means that people have the right to work only but never to its fruits. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.(2)
I was highly influenced and motivated by this lesson from Lord Krishna because it helped me get over a stressful test. In October of 2021, I had a very big science test and I was completely freaking out that I wouldn’t do well. I explained how nervous I was to my mom that morning and she explained to me what Krishna had told Arjuna about doing your duty and not worrying about your results. That day, my perspective of life changed. After school, I had gotten my test back and had scored a pretty good score. This school year, I overcame several hard tests by trying not to be too attached or overthinking too much because it would have never led me to my reality. At the end of the school year, I came out with a great GPA and report card. One thing I learned from Arjuna and my life experience, is whenever in doubt, remember the words of Lord Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita. I try to follow the teachings of Bhagavad Gita in my everyday life to become the better version of myself while doing my duty. I strongly believe in doing service selflessly for the community.
Lord Krishna’s teaching about Karma Yoga or path of action is a powerful guiding light to mankind. As a human, there will always be challenges causing doubts and confusions. But the way you act and attitude towards it matters a lot. Doing your duty without attaching your mind and energy to the outcome will make you come out of the problem successfully just like how Arjuna won the Kurukshetra Battle. I would like to spread this teaching to everyone, especially youths like me.
Works Cited:
Rajani, Mahendra. “The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3: The Path of Action (Karma Yoga).” The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3: The Path of Action (Karma Yoga), Mahendra Rajani, 18–05-07, mahendrajani.wordpress.com/2018/05/07/the-essence-of-the-bhagavad-gita-chapter-3-the-path-of-action-karma-yoga.
Vani, Viveka. “Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 47; Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana.” VivekaVani, 3 June 2022, https://vivekavani.com/bhagavad-gita-chapter-2-verse-47/